[1][2] He was the son of George Hall, a mineworker who became a Labour Party member of parliament and cabinet minister.
[1] Hall won a scholarship to Christ College, Brecon,[1][2] but left school to become a miner at the age of 15.
[1][2] In 1946 he returned to civilian life, as a medical officer for the Powell Duffryn Group, a South Wales-based operator of coalmines (until 1947) and seaports.
He later held a post as director of investments for Africa, Asia and the Middle East for the International Finance Corporation.
[2] Hall re-entered private business as a director in a number of companies and was also an active member of the House of Lords.