HC Deb 30 July 1958 vol 592 cc1355-6
51. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will give a general direction to the British Transport Commission to include among the members of the boards of management, which have in effect replaced the executives provided for under the Transport Act, 1947, those who have had experience in the organisation of workers.

Mr. Watkinson

No, Sir. The appointment of members to boards throughout its undertaking is the responsibility of the Commission. It is clear from the appointments which it has made in recent years that it fully appreciates the value of a trade union background, among other forms of experience. For example, each of the area boards of British Railways includes one member with this qualification.

Mr. Davies

Is it a fact that there is a danger of nullifying the provisions of the 1947 Act, for the appointment of persons with executive experience of organising workers? Can the Minister state whether there is a representative of the trade unions on the management board of British Road Services in view of the fact that Mr. Harold Clay is no longer a part-time member?

Mr. Watkinson

The answer to that is that the Commission is charged with the task of finding the best people to manage these undertakings. That means that the Commission will find some candidate from the trade union movement as from elsewhere. I think that we had better leave it to the Commission to pick the best.

Mr. Davies

Would not the Minister agree that in the case of British Road Services it is desirable that there should be a representative with experience in the organisation of workers, and is it a fact that there is not one at present?

Mr. Watkinson

I will look into that, but it is still the responsibility of the Commission.