§ 33. Mr. McLarenasked the Minister of Aviation whether he will make a statement about appointments to the Board of British Overseas Airways Corporation.
§ Mr. SandysDuring the last few months three Members of the Board of the British Overseas Airways Corporation, including the deputy chairman, have retired, either as a result of the termination of the period of their appointment, or through ill-health.
I have accordingly appointed three new part-time members to the Board, namely, Mr. J. A. Connel, vice-chairman of Unilever, Mr. Lionel Poole, until recently general secretary of the National Union of Boot and Shoe Operatives, and Sir Walter Worboys, chairman of B.T.R. Industries, Ltd. and a director of the Westminster Bank.
I have appointed Sir Wilfred Neden, who is already a member of the Board. to fill the office of deputy chairman, on a part-time basis.
Some while ago, Sir Gerard d'Erlanger told me that he would like, as soon as it was convenient, to give up his post as chairman of B.O.A.C., so that he could devote his whole time to his own business.
In view of Sir Gerard's exceptional experience and personal qualities, which have been of great value to the Corporation, I agreed to release him with considerable regret. I have now appointed as his successor, with effect from 29th July, Sir Matthew Slattery, up till now chairman of Short and Harlands, and until recently chairman of the Bristol Aircraft Company. The new chairman will serve on a whole-time basis.
§ Mr. Hector HughesIn making these appointments, why did the Minister have no regard to the needs of the North of Scotland, particularly North-East Scotland, and appoint to the Board somebody who is conversant with those needs? Will he reconsider the appointments in order to deal with the needs of the North and North-East of Scotland?
§ Mr. SandysThere is a wide geographical dispersion, though that was not one of my considerations. One of the new members was born in Australia.