§ 46. Mr. McSHANEasked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the appointment of a Select Committee to inquire into the general effects upon unemployment of the rationalisation of industry?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Philip Snowden)The factors affecting the volume of employment, of which rationalisation is only one, are under constant examination by the Departments concerned and in other ways. I do not think that a Select Committee would be an appropriate body to consider this question.
§ Mr. McSHANEMight not this matter be dealt with by the new Economic Council that is to be appointed, and cannot we have this year some report on what obviously is a most important matter in relation to unemployment?
§ Mr. SNOWDENI have no doubt at all that this is one of the matters that the Economic Council will deal with.
§ Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think industry is quite capable of rationalising itself?