§ 49. Mr. KIRKWOODasked the Prime Minister how many Royal Commissions, 498 Committees of Inquiry, etc., were appointed by the late Labour Government; how many of these have issued reports; and whether the present Government will initiate legislation to give effect to the findings of any of these committees?
§ The PRIME MINISTERSix Royal Commissions and 57 other Committees of Inquiry, etc., were appointed by the late Labour Government. This number does not include statutory or standing bodies, sub-committees, or Departmental Committees composed exclusively of officials. I understand that 39 of the above bodies have issued reports, of which four were interim reports—and I may say that these reports 'have been of assistance in enabling the Government to formulate policy. As regards the second part of the question, perhaps the hon. Member would put down a question to the Minister concerned regarding any Commission or Committee in whose findings he is interested.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODAre the Government going to put any of these findings into effect immediately?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAs a matter of fact, some of the findings have already been put into operation.
§ Sir D. NEWTONWhat was the cost of the preparation of these reports?