HC Deb 08 February 1956 vol 548 cc1658-9
16. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the salaries at present being paid to the Chairman and members of the Road Haulage Disposal Board, and its total cost to date.

Mr. Watkinson

The salaries of the Board are still as they were when the White Paper "Public Boards" was issued in December last. The total cost of the Board up to 31st December last was £45,483.

Mr. Davies

Since the desire of the Government is to reduce expenditure all round, would not one way in which a saving could be made be by abolishing this Board, as its work is of no use to the country?

Mr. Watkinson

I think that the hon. Member already knows that the Chairman, at his own request, is not drawing a salary. I think that the Board has done a difficult task very well in the public interest.