§ Mr. Walter Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) if he will give a general direction to full-time chairmen of nationalised industries not to make public speeches of a politically controversial nature;
(2) if he will take steps to bring members of hoards of nationalised industries within the rules on political activity applicable to senior civil servants.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisIt is standard practice when inviting persons to serve as members of the boards of nationalised 23W industries to give them guidance on political activities.
§ Mr. Walter Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for Trade what criteria he applies when making appointments as chairmen of nationalised industries.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisThe criteria are those of relevant experience and ability for the task to be performed.
§ Mr. Walter Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for Trade if, in view of the political content of the speech recently made by the new Chairman of British Airways, he will ask for his resignation.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisNo.