43. Mr. G. MURRAYasked the Minister of Labour whether, in order to secure public confidence in the cost of-living index figures periodically issued by his Department, he will appoint a Standing Advisory Committee, whose functions would be to keep in touch with and to advise him generally regarding these figures; and if not, whether he will appoint a committee of inquiry into the whole question?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Sir Montague Barlow)As was stated on 20th June, in reply to questions by the hon. Members for the Frome and Stratford Divisions, we have invited the Joint Committee representing the trade unions, the Labour party, and the Co-operative Union, who have issued a statement disputing the accuracy of the Ministry of Labour index figure, to supply us with details showing how their conclusions have been arrived at. We will consider, these facts when they are presented, but, on present information, we do not think that a Committee of Inquiry is necessary.