§ 1. Major NATHANasked the Minister of Labour whether he can give any information as to the committee on the cost-of-living index referred to in Professor Bowley's evidence before the Macmillan Committee (question 8,221) and, in particular, the terms of reference, membership, and the date of appointment of that committee, and by whom it was appointed?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Sir Henry Betterton)I presume the reference in Professor Bowley's evidence is to a Committee of the Economic Advisory Council. The proceedings of the Council and of its Committees are confidential.
§ Major NATHANIn so far as the evidence and work of this Committee has been revealed by the published documents, is it not right and proper that the House should be informed of its terms of reference?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONThe hon. and gallant Member must not ask me to lay confidential Reports before the House.