HC Deb 27 February 1963 vol 672 cc1250-1
33. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Minister of Transport if he will state the number of new appointments to boards under his control, which are full time and part time, respectively what are the qualifications of those appointed and their emoluments.

Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallett

As the Answer is rather long and detailed, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Shinwell

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman include in the Answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT the number of people appointed either to part-time or full-time jobs who have been superannuated and retired from their previous occupations and have reached the ages of 65 and 70? Will he give at the same time the reasons for appointing these superannuated people?

Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallett

As the right hon. Gentleman is aware, there are many people who think that people who have reached these ages are still in full possession of their faculties.

Mr. Shinwell

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that he is a Daniel come to judgment on that matter? Of course, there are superannuated people who retain their faculties, even in this assembly. What I am asking is how many people appointed to these important jobs at very high salaries have reached these ages.

Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallett

I cannot answer the right hon. Gentleman's supplementary question offhand, but if he will table a Question we will answer it.

Following is the Answer: My right hon. Friend has made 41 appointments to the four new Boards under the Transport Act, 1962. Of these 15 are full time and 26 part time. In addition he has approved 37 appointments, by the British Railways Board, to the six regional boards. Of these 14 are full time executives of the British Railways Board and 23 are part time members. All these appointments have been made from among persons with the qualifications prescribed in the Transport Act, 1962. My right hon. Friend gave the salaries of the members of the four Boards and the Holding Company in answer to a Question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Arundel and Shoreham (Captain Kerby) on 13th February. The salaries payable to members of the regional railways hoards, apart from those who are full-time executives of the Railways Board and are paid as such, are: Chairmen £1,000, other members £500, a year.