§ 9. Sir B Rhys Williamsasked the Minister of Power if he will take steps to rationalise the structure of salaries 1510 paid to board members of the coal, gas and electricity industries.
§ The Minister of Power (Mr. R. J. Gunter)The structure is kept under review but perhaps the hon. Member will let me know if he has any specific proposals.
§ Sir B. Rhys WilliamsIs the Minister satisfied that the present structure of salaries is attracting and retaining the services of men of appropriate calibre, at the same time leaving room to give appropriate incentives to men at intermediate levels in these industries?
§ Mr. GunterWe are able to attract the right men for these jobs. There is an argument about whether these salaries should be competitive with private industry. I do not attach all that importance to it. The large salaries paid in private industry are for prestige purposes, and they are not of very much greater value when my right hon. Friend the Chancellor has finished with them.