HC Deb 04 November 1937 vol 328 c1106
45. Mr. E. Smith

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the appointment of an economic general council, with a staff of Civil servants, for the purpose of organising the economic resources of the country, securing their best utilisation and planning for the future?

The Prime Minister (Mr. Chamberlain)

The existing arrangements already provide through the appropriate Departments and committees, working in the requisite cooperation, the machinery for the purpose suggested, and there is accordingly no need for any such elaboration as the hon. Member appears to have in mind.

Mr. Smith

Is there not a great need for co-ordinating the economic resources; and in view of the agreement among the scientific economists and the orthodox economists that there is need for a step of this kind to be taken, will the Prime Minister reconsider his answer?

The Prime Minister

My answer is that co-operation already exists.