§ 58. Sir K. WOODasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the new proposals in relation to rural housing have been submitted to the Economy Committee?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Philip Snowden)The rural housing proposals have not been specifically referred to the Economy Committee. It is, of course, for the committee 1452 itself to determine the direction of its inquiry within its terms of reference. Those terms are sufficiently wide to allow of this question being taken into consideration.
§ Sir K. WOODDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think it would be wise, in view of the fact that he set up this committee, to refer such a matter as this to it, in order that, when the House comes to consider it, we shall have their observations, if any, on the matter?
§ Mr. SNOWDENNo, I do not think it would be a wise thing at all. I am prepared to trust the Economy Committee to carry out their work in full under the terms of reference.
§ Sir K. WOODDoes the right hon. Gentleman still hold the opinion about the Economy Committee that he originally announced, that he could write their report himself before they sat?