HC Deb 08 February 1971 vol 811 cc9-10
13. Mr. Skinner

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if a successor to Lord Robens has been chosen; and on what conditions he will be appointed.

29. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is yet in a position to announce the name of the new Chairman of the National Coal Board.

Mr. John Davies

I shall be making an announcement about this appointment in due course.

Mr. Skinner

Will the Minister, when instructing the new Chairman of the Coal Board, tell him, as distinct from the previous policy announced a few months ago, not to hive off lucrative parts of the coal industry and also to take into account the recent actions of the Government with regard to Rolls-Royce?

Mr. Davies

The only instructions I could give to the chairman of this industry derive from powers given to me by Statute. If, as I expect, I am given certain additional powers by Statute, I shall exercise them.

Mr. Hamilton

Would the Secretary of State not consider advertising the post, setting out the required qualifications but ruling out any possibility of the appointment of a Rolls-Royce director?

Mr. Davies

I certainly will give careful consideration to the point made by the hon. Gentleman, but I do not anticipate any need to advertise the post widely in order to make a successful appointment.

Mr. Michael Foot

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that any future Chairman of the National Coal Board will be absolutely free to make any comments he wishes on any proposals which come from the Government suggesting the hiving-off of part of the industry?

Mr. Davies

I have never endeavoured to put a bridle on the tongue of the present Chairman. I would not expect to do otherwise with any new Chairman.