HC Deb 18 June 1917 vol 94 cc1400-1
4. Mr. SNOWDEN

asked if the members of the Advisory Committee of the Tobacco Control Board are representative of the manufacturers and of the retailers; and whether these members will have access to returns made by firms who may be their competitors in trade?

Mr. ROBERTS

In answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The returns made by firms will not be accessible to members of the Advisory Committee, but will be considered by the Tobacco Control Board, none of the members of which are connected with the trade.

5. Mr. SNOWDEN

asked if two of the three members of the Tobacco Control Board are stockbrokers; what administrative experience they have had to qualify them for their present position; and whether a Customs official possessing such experience will be asked to serve on the Board?

Mr. ROBERTS

The principal qualifications required for the members of the Tobacco Control Board are administrative capacity and independence of the tobacco trade. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that the present members possess both these qualifications, and neither the Board of Trade nor the Customs think it necessary to add a Custom House official to the Board. My right) hon. Friend has invited the hon. Member for North-East Manchester to serve on the Board to represent the interests of consumers.

Mr. SNOWDEN

Does the Board of Trade consider that the Stock Exchange contains such a monopoly of administrative ability that two-thirds of the members of this Committee could only be found there?

Mr. ROBERTS

I do not think that my right hon. Friend takes into consideration the fact that they are members of the Stock Exchange, but rather their personal qualifications for their work.

Mr. WATT

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of having a Member of this House on each of these Committees?

Mr. ROBERTS

I will make that representation to my right hon. Friend. He is making these appointments.

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