HC Deb 28 March 1956 vol 550 cc2128-9
16. Mr. Oswald

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what remuneration is given to the members of the Scottish Transport Council.

Mr. Watkinson

The Chairman and members of the Scottish Transport Council serve without salary. Expenses of the chairman, the two independent members and the representative of the Transport Users Consultative Committee are met from Government funds, whilst the expenses of the other members are met by the bodies they represent.

Mr. Oswald

Can the Minister tell us precisely what is the amount, because it seems to me that at the moment we are getting only a glossary of the methods by which it will be paid?

Mr. Watkinson

I am sorry but I could not do that in answer to this Question.

Mr. Ross

Does the Minister realise that hon. Members on these benches feel that the salary is quite in keeping with the importance of the work which the Council seems to be doing?

17. Mr. Steele

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what response there has been to the appeal made by the Chairman of the Scottish Transport Council asking members of the public to submit suggestions for consideration.

Mr. Watkinson

I understand that the Council met yesterday to consider these suggestions. It will, no doubt, make public from time to time such information and details about its work as it thinks desirable.

Mr. Steele

The Minister has not said how many suggestions have been received. Is he aware that during the discussion of the 1953 Bill we were told that this Council was to initiate consideration of co-ordination? Is it not a farce that men of this calibre should be asked to be office boys and await suggestions and complaints from the general public?

Mr. Watkinson

That is not true at all. This body has a very useful and essential job to do. It has only just started on its work, and I think it should be given a chance to get on with the job before we criticise it.