§ 30. Mr. Nealasked the Paymaster-General if he will make a statement on the recent appointment of the labour relations member of the National Coal Board.
§ Mr. MaudlingAs announced, my noble Friend has appointed Mr. J. Crawford to be a full-time member of the National Coal Board.
§ Mr. NealWhen will the Government realise that production in the mining industry depends upon good will more than any other factor? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the widespread dissatisfaction in the mining industry that his noble Friend has caused by this appointment? Is he further aware that the National Union of Mineworkers, while acknowledging the high qualities of this new labour relations officer in other fields of service, has wholeheartedly condemned the appointment of a person who has no mining experience?
§ Mr. MaudlingMy noble Friend listened to the views of the National Union of Mineworkers but felt that he would be failing in his duty to this House if he appointed anyone other than the man he considered to be the best.
§ Mr. NabarroWas not an admirable precedent in this regard provided by an earlier Socialist Administration in the 15 appointment as chairman of the Central Electricity Authority of Lord Citrine, a person with no previous experience?
§ Mr. NealCan the Paymaster-General tell us why the five nominees of the National Union of Mineworkers were considered not satisfactory?
§ Mr. MaudlingIt is impossible to consider the merits of individual candidates for appointment in question and answer in this House.