§ 39. Mr. Shinwellasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what representations he has received from the Easington Rural District Council about the proposed new appointments to the Peterlee Corporation.
§ Mr. BevinsThe Council has asked my right hon. Friend to consider affording it direct representation on the Development Corporation.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs it not the case that, when the Minister consulted the Easing-ton Council and it suggested that someone resident in the locality might be appointed to the Peterlee Corporation, he decided to go outside the area and he has actually appointed two persons from outside the area? What is the point of consultation if the right hon. Gentleman rejects the advice?
§ Mr. BevinsAll that has happened so far is that my right hon. Friend has indicated to the Easington Rural District Council that he has it in mind to appoint two individuals. The Easington Rural District Council has made representations in the sense indicated by the right hon. Gentleman. Those representations will be considered. Having said that, I think that the right hon. Gentleman is well aware of the considerations which normally influence Ministers in this matter.
§ Mr. ShinwellHow is it possible for the Minister to obtain the co-operation of the Council, which is essential in the area, unless he takes notice of its representations? Will the Parliamentary Secretary suggest to his right hon. Friend that he might consider that there are people in the area whose intelligence is at least as high as the intelligence of those outside?
§ Mr. BevinsI am sure that my right hon. Friend does not doubt the intelligence of members of a particular rural district council. My right hon. Friend's desire in the case of the new town development corporations is to have the right people as members, whether they be members of local authorities, industrialists or whatever they might be.