HC Deb 01 February 1966 vol 723 cc863-4
13. Mr. Palmer

asked the Minister of Power if he will make a statement on the appointment of Sir Alan Wilson, a director of Glaxo Limited, as Deputy Chairman of the Electricity Council; why this appointment was made on a part-time basis; and what is the salary to be paid.

Mr. Frederick Lee

I appointed Sir Alan Wilson, F.R.S., to be a second Deputy Chairman of the Electricity Council with effect from 1st January, 1966, to succeed Mr. C. T. Melling, who has retired. The statute requires two deputy chairmen to be appointed. An additional full-time member was appointed to the Council last year, and the duties at deputy chairman level can at present be covered by one full-time and one part-time appointment, as they have been during the past year. The salary for the part-time post is £2,000 a year.

Mr. Palmer

Does my right hon. Friend agree that an industry like the electricity supply industry, which absorbs such a large proportion of the nation's industrial capital, really deserves a full-time appointment, as was until recently the case? Is my right hon. Friend saying that there was no administrator, experienced engineer or other administrator within the power supply industry available to fill this appointment without having to go to a manufacturer of baby food and chemical products?

Mr. Lee

I think there is something to be said at times for bringing new blood into any industry. Sir Alan Wilson is a very distinguished scientist. He is a director of International Computers and Tabulators, a part-time member of the Iron and Steel Board, the Chairman of my Nuclear Safety Advisory Committee and a lecturer at Trinity College, Cambridge. He therefore has considerable qualifications.

Mr. McNair-Wilson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of us wholeheartedly welcome the appointment of Sir Alan, who is well versed in many other aspects of industry and commerce?

Mr. Shinwell

Do not such industrial tycoons have enough to do on the jobs enumerated by my right hon. Friend without being given this part-time appointment? By the way, on a point of order, would it not be useful if hon. Gentlemen who speak from the Front Bench opposite first mentioned their names so that we may know who they are?—[Interruption.] Who was the last speaker?

Mr. Lee

I mentioned Sir Alan's qualifications to show the type of man he is. He has done fine public service and I understand that he has retired from one or two of the appointments I mentioned since taking on this job.