§ 23. Colonel Nathanasked the President of the Board of Trade what is the composition and what are the functions of the Board of Trade Advisory Council; how often it meets and the date of its last meeting; and whether it issues any report of its proceedings and, if so, to whom?
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Oliver Stanley)The Board of Trade Advisory Council consists of representatives of industry and commerce, with Dominion and other official representatives. Its main function is to keep the Board of Trade informed of the position and prospects of trade and industry; and with this object individual members send in reports each month and the Council meets under my chairmanship for a general discussion once a quarter. The last meeting was on 28th October. The Council's proceedings are confidential; reports are accordingly circulated only to members and the Government Departments concerned. I am sending the 1569 hon. and gallant Member a list of the present members.
§ Colonel NathanDoes not the right hon. Gentleman agree it is desirable that the commercial community should be informed of the information before the Board of Trade as a result of these deliberations so that it may know by what considerations it is guided in deciding upon policy?
§ Mr. StanleyIt is essential if we are to have the fullest possible information on the prospects of individual industries, that that information should be given confidentially.
§ Colonel NathanBy what institutions or associations are the representatives of industry appointed, and for what period do they hold office?
§ Mr. StanleyPerhaps the hon. and gallant Member will put that question down.