HC Deb 10 February 1958 vol 582 cc26-7
40. Mr. Palmer

asked the Paymaster-General what are the terms of the appointment of Mr. A. G. Stewart as a member of the Iron and Steel Board; and what salary and allowances are paid to Mr. Stewart.

Sir I. Horobin

Mr. Stewart was appointed a part-time member for a period of two years from 19th October, 1956, at a salary of £1,000 per annum. He does not receive any allowances but is reimbursed any travelling and subsistence expenses necessarily incurred on the business of the Board.

Mr. Palmer

Has the Minister noticed that Mr. Stewart has stated that he is about to put himself at the head of a political campaign directed against the policies of one of the two major parties in the State in relation to the affairs of the steel industry? Does he think that an action of this kind is compatible with the impartial discharge of his duties as a member of the Iron and Steel Board?

Sir I. Horobin

Surely it is rather cock-eyed doctrine that, when a gentleman has been found suitable to carry out the Statute as passed by Parliament, he should be asked to resign because he wants to stop people from changing it.

Mr. Palmer

Would the hon. Member have applied that kind of reasoning to the members of the Iron and Steel Corporation at the time that his Government brought in the present Act?

Sir I. Horobin

I do not think that arises out of this Question. If the unhappy occasion should ever arise in the future when we have to re-unscramble, we will take notice of the hon. Member's Question.