§ 47. Mr. Lawsonasked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to state the names of the members of the Royal Commission on Location of Industry and the terms of reference?
48. Mr. W. Joseph Stewartasked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to state when the Royal Commission will be set up to inquire into the question of the location and extension of industry, with a view to securing a more even distribution of production; and whether he will now give the terms of reference and the names of the persons who will be appointed to serve on such commission?
§ The Prime MinisterI regret that I am not yet in a position to add to the answer which I gave to hon. Members on 10th June last.
§ Mr. LawsonMay I ask what is the reason for the delay in setting up this Royal Commission? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Commissioner himself long ago made a proposal, which we understood the Government to accept then, for prohibiting any further establishment of factories in certain areas? Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared either to accept that proposal or to set up the Commission which has been proposed as an alternative?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think there has really been avoidable delay in this matter, but it is necessary to establish a body which will command confidence, and the only reason for the delay is that I am making further inquiries of one or two individuals who might be members of the Commission.