§ 48. Mr. BOOTHBYasked the Prime Minister whether he is satisfied that the 696 existing legislation with regard to trade facilities and export credits adequately meets the requirements either of industry or of the taxpayer; and, if it is considered desirable to introduce further legislation of this nature, whether he will set up a Committee to inquire into the whole question of State assistance to industry and to make recommendations as to the direction and form it should take?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am not aware of any further proposed legislation on this subject, beyond the temporary renewal of the Trade Facilities Act now before the House, and I see no reason for the proposed inquiry.
§ Mr. BOOTHBYDoes the Prime Minister not consider the question of holding some such inquiry between now and this time next year in the event of its being considered desirable to adopt the temporary measure which was proposed in the House the other day?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNaturally one watches the situation very carefully, and I am sure there is a general desire not so much in regard to the Export Credits scheme, but in regard to Trade Facilities, that the proceedings under that Act should be brought gradually and as occasion may offer to a conclusion.