§ 41. Mr. Websterasked the Minister of Transport if he will announce the name and salary of the chairman of the National Freight Corporation.
§ Mr. MarshI have appointed Sir Reginald Wilson as Chairman of the National Freight Corporation for two years with effect from today. His salary, which has been assessed on a personal basis, will be £16,000 a year.
§ Mr. WebsterIs the Minister aware that we are delighted that at last, as a result of long probing from this side, this excellent appointment has been made—[Interruption.] I am sorry that the hon. Member for Central Ayrshire (Mr. Manuel) is not pleased with the appointment. I am sure that it is an excellent one. Can the Minister say that the transition is taking place in a smooth manner?
§ Mr. LeadbitterIs my right hon. Friend aware that it will come as a surprise to many Members on this side that the hon. Gentleman welcomes the announcement of the appointment and salary today, because we understood that he and his colleagues were against the appointment and the National Freight Corporation?
§ Mr. MarshWith respect to my hon. Friend, he has been here long enough not to be surprised by the schizophrenic attitude of hon. Gentlemen opposite.
§ 42. Mr. Websterasked the Minister of Transport if he will announce the name and salaries of the members of the National Freight Corporation.
§ Mr. MarshI have, after consultation with the Chairman, appointed the following as members of the National Freight Corporation with effect from today:
Mr. Quick Smith, who will be the Chief Executive of the Corporation, has been appointed a full-time member for two years. His salary will be £10,000 a year, on a personal basis. The other appointments will all be part-time for three years, at a salary of £1,000 a year.
- Rt. Hon. Frank Cousins.
- Sir Andrew Crichton.
- Mr. F. Lane, B.E.M.
- Mr. F. S. Law.
8 - Mr. R. L. E. Lawrence, O.B.E.
- Sir Robert MacLean.
- Mr. D. E. A. Pettit.
- Mr. G. W. Quick Smith, C.B.E.
§ Mr. WebsterCan the Minister tell us how many of these appointments are part-time, how many are functional—[HON. MEMBERS: "The Minister said so."]—the Minister said that one was part-time. Perhaps he can tell us more about it. Could he also say to what extent they are functional—whether, in the case of Mr. Cousins, this will be to look after the labour relations side—or can he give us any further details?
§ Mr. MarshIt would be an extraordinary business to have part-time functional members on boards such as this. The Answer was that Mr. Quick Smith, who will be the Chief Executive of the Corporation, has been appointed full-time member for two years. The other appointments will be part-time.