§ 59. Captain GARRO-JONESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Food Council has yet begun its meetings: if not, when he anticipates that the first meeting will be held; what will be the procedure adopted; and how often meetings will be held?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Burton Chadwick)The Food Council held its first meeting on 31st July, and a summary of the proceedings, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. and gallant Member, was issued to the Press. The Council decided that their usual day of meetings should be the second Friday in each month.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESWill the hon. Gentleman answer that part of the question which asks as to the form of procedure that will be adopted? Have they any power to call for evidence from any one?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKObviously they have power to call evidence. The information which the hon. and gallant Member requests as to procedure is contained in the account of the proceedings of the first meeting, which was published, and of which I am sending him a copy.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESWhen the hon. Gentleman says they have power to call for evidence, does he mean that they have power to compel witnesses to attend?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKI do not think they have power to compel witnesses to attend, but in any case the procedure of the Committee is in the hands of the Committee themselves.