HC Deb 08 May 1968 vol 764 cc401-2
15. Mr. Ridley

asked the Minister of Transport if he will raise the salaries of the board members of the nationalised industries under his control to levels commensurate with those paid by the British Steel Corporation.

24. Mr. Webster

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will hold a review of the salary structure for board members in the nationalised industries sponsored by his Department.

Mr. Marsh

As I told the House on 15th March, 1967, the salaries fixed for members of the then new Steel Corporation were related to the special position of the steel industry. It will of course be necessary later this year to determine the salaries of members of the new authorities proposed in the Transport Bill. These salaries will be considered in the light of the need to obtain the best people for the jobs and of the position elsewhere in nationalised transport and in nationalised industries generally.

Mr. Ridley

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his position of pretending that the Steel Corporation is in some way special is entirely bogus and without foundation? Will he admit that the Government have made a serious error in underpaying the chairmen and board members of nationalised industries, and will he give an undertaking to put it right in the forthcoming review to which he has referred?

Mr. Marsh

One of the problems that one faces, concerning the salaries of chairmen and board members of nationalised industries, is that it was not faced up to for a very long period previously, and hon. Gentlemen opposite cannot deny it.

Sir G. Nabarro

What about Beeching?

Mr. Marsh

We are now faced with——

Sir G. Nabarro

What about Beeching?

Mr. Marsh

The hon. Gentleman is even more repetitive this afternoon.

We are now faced with particular problems over the prices and incomes policy. The Government are determined to ensure that the people appointed to boards are the best available.

Mr. Webster

Does the Minister agree that it is essential to bring in the best people from outside industry and to recruit people from inside nationalised industries, and will he undertake not to be intimidated by the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity?

Mr. Marsh

The Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity shares the views which I, as a member of the Government, share on this matter.