HC Deb 23 July 1973 vol 860 cc1136-7
7. Mr. Roy Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the salary of the Chairman of the new Welsh Water Authority.

Mr. Peter Thomas

£6,000 per annum.

Mr. Hughes

Is the Secretary of State convinced that the noble Lord can obtain the necessary leave of absence from his duties in the European Parliament? Does not this appointment reveal the paucity of Conservative talent in Wales? Is it not a case not only of jobs for the boys but of jobs for old-age pensioners?

Mr. Peter Thomas

Since the announcement, there has been widespread approval of the appointment of Lord Brecon. Anyone who is fair would agree that his administrative skill and his ranging knowledge of Welsh affairs make him an admirable choice for this exacting position.

Mr. George Thomas

Is the Secretary of State aware that no one doubts his ability at finding highly-paid jobs for Conservative politicians in Wales? Is he further aware that it is a brazen piece of political nepotism to put a former Conservative Minister in this appointment and that it will receive derision and contempt throughout Wales?

Mr. Peter Thomas

There is no question of this being a political appointment, any more than there was any question of a former Labour Minister becoming Chairman of British Railways being a political appointment. One appoints to a job of this character the best person to fit the exacting duties.

Mr. Gower

Does not that last question come oddly from a member of the former Government which appointed two Labour politicians in succession as head of the hospital board?

Mr. George Thomas

Unpaid.

Mr. Peter Thomas

It is clear that these questions are politically motivated and are not directed to the appointment at all. Everyone in Wales accepts that Lord Brecon will be admirable in the position as Chairman of the Welsh National Water Development Authority.