§ 52. Sir J. D. REESasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that a Departmental Committee has been appointed in order to bring about, by means of amalgamation and pooling of interests in various industries throughout the country, economies in respect of fuel, man-power, transport, etc.; whether, to assist its inquiries, it is proposed to set up advisory committees on which representatives of the industries concerned will occupy seats; if so, whether he will lay the terms of reference to the Departmental Committee upon the Table; and whether he will inform the House what, if any, executive powers have been, or are proposed to be, given to this Committee or the Department to which it will report?
Sir A. STANLEYThe Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. No Departmental Committee of such a far-reaching character as the hon. Member suggests has been set up, but he may have in mind the Road Transport Board, which has been established with the following terms of reference:
To co-ordinate the work of the existing Government Department in connection with road transport; to determine what further measures are necessary to ensure the most economic use of road transport vehicles and their efficient allocation for meeting such requirements as may arise from time to time for the transport of food, munitions and other war material, and for the essential needs of the trade and industry of the country; and, subject to the direction of the Board of Trade, to give executive effect thereto.A central advisory committee and a number of divisional advisory committees have been set up to assist the Road Transport Board, and these committees contain representatives of interests concerned. The Board of Trade possess certain powers with regard to horses and horse-driven vehicles, and it is proposed to obtain further powers to enable other classes of vehicles to be dealt with in case need should arise.
§ Sir J. D. REESIs similar action in any other direction contemplated?