asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether Sir James Milne has accepted the position of adviser to the Government on the subject of transport reorganisation; and if so, whether he will state the terms of reference under which he is acting.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Transport Reorganisation Adviser.
Sir James Milne has accepted the invitation to investigate and report on the transport situation. The terms of reference are:—
"To examine and review the position of rail, road and canal transport and to report to the Minister for Industry and Commerce thereon and on the steps it is necessary or desirable to take to secure—
(a) the greatest measure of co-ordination of rail, road and canal transport;
(b) the restoration of the financial position of the public transport companies; and
(c) the most efficient and economical transport system."
Can the Minister say — and, in putting this question, I am genuinely seeking information — whether Sir James opposed or favoured the nationalisation of transport in Great Britain?
I do not know, nor am I concerned.
Would the Minister consider that a matter of importance in the appointment of a person to carry out this investigation?
I am concerned only with the fact that he is a fully qualified person to do the job which he has been invited by the Government to do.