49. Sir G. HAMILTONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can state approximately the considerations which led him to set up a Committee to inquire into the possibility of the sale of Government lands and property?
§ Mr. P. SNOWDENThe Committee referred to was appointed because the Government considered it desirable that the present allocation of Government properties should be examined with a view to liberating any available properties for full economic development.
§ Sir AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINIs this the first step in the process of nationalisation?
§ Mr. SNOWDENThat will depend, I suppose, upon the result of the Committee's Report.
§ Mr. STEPHENCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether any members of the Labour party have been appointed on the Committee?
§ Mr. SNOWDENIn appointing these Committees, I try to find men who possess knowledge of the subject to be considered. I do not inquire into their politics, but I have sometimes discovered afterwards that members of the Committee do belong to the Labour party and that they have the essential knowledge and qualifications.
§ Sir JOHN FERGUSONMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if any of the members he has appointed are members of the Surveyors' and Valuers' Institution?
§ Mr. STEPHENIs the right hon. Gentleman of opinion that it is only gentlemen on the other side who have specialised knowledge and qualifications?