§ 72. Mr. BROCKWAY (for Mr. W. J. BROWN),asked the Minister of Labour whether, since the present Government came into office, any committee or any persons, outside the Civil Service, have been appointed to advise upon the accuracy or suitability of the Ministry of Labour index figure as a reflection of the rise in the cost of living either as affecting the wage-earning community as a whole or particular sections of it; if so, whether such committee or persons have furnished a report; and whether the terms of the report or reports will be made public?
§ Mr. WILLIAM WHITELEY (Lord of the Treasury)I have been asked to reply. Some inquiries have been made into this matter, but it is not proposed to publish any report.
§ Mr. BROCKWAYIn view of the dissatisfaction with the present index figure arrangements, is it not possible for the Government to have a thorough inquiry into this matter, and to have a report made upon it?
§ Mr. WHITELEYIf my hon. Friend puts down a question on those lines, I will see that he gets a reply.