§ Mr. Pitmanasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in view of the fresh information given to him by the hon. Member for Bath, he will make a further statement in regard to the appointment of coal and coke merchants to positions on the Gas Consultative Councils.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerAs I stated in answer to a similar Question by the hon. Member on 1st May last, I have every confidence in the two nominees of local authority associations known to be connected with the coal and coke trade who are at present serving on Gas Consultative Councils. Nevertheless, while it is desirable that the Minister of Fuel and Power should be free to appoint the most suitable men, particularly the most suitable local nominees of local authority associations, I am ready to agree that—other things being equal—the appointment of coal and coke merchants to Gas Consultative Councils will be avoided in the future. What I have said applies generally, of course, to any nominees of people whose business interests might conceivably conflict with their views as members of Consultative Councils.