Inland Waterways Authority (Chairman)

HC Deb 29 March 1961 vol 637 cc1313-4

36. Mr. J. Wells

asked the Minister of Transport when he will make the appointment of the first chairman of the proposed Inland Waterways Authority.

Mr. Marples

I cannot say at present.

Mr. Wells

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the urgency of the situation in the inland waterways today? When he does make an announcement will he give an assurance that the new chairman will be somebody either with commercial experience or with substantial waterways experience?

Mr. Marples

It will be a long time before the appointment is made, because until this House has passed legislation there will not be an Inland Waterways Authority to which a chairman can be appointed. But I am bound to say that I shall take all considerations into account—not only commercial knowledge and knowledge of waterways but the appropriate salary as well.