37.
asked the Minister of Labour why he did not reappoint Lord Ammon as chairman of the National Dock Labour Board for next year.
I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Devizes (Mr. Hollis) on 12th December.
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in this case the usual procedure of consultation with the national joint council of the industry did not take place? Is he further aware, from the published statement of the noble Lord, that this old servant of the State has been left with the feeling that both the matter and the manner of his dismissal were highly derogatory to him?
About the first part of that supplementary question, I will make inquiries. As to the second part, it is really not usual to give explanations as to why persons in these positions are not re-appointed; indeed in some instances—not in this particular instance—it might be painful if they were given.
Has my right hon. Friend noted that he is criticised by the Opposition equally for appointing Socialists to boards and for not appointing Socialists to boards?
Does it follow from the right hon. Gentleman's refusal to give the grounds for this non-appointment that he accepts as substantially true the reasons given by the noble Lord himself?
No. But it is not the custom of any Government to give the House of Commons explanations of this kind, which, in many circumstances, might be extremely embarrassing.