HC Deb 21 November 1938 vol 341 cc1337-8
50. Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked the Prime Minister whether he can announce the composition of the committee of business men to be set up in connection with supplies for the Defence Services?

51. Mr. Henderson Stewart

asked the Prime Minister whether the right of appeal to the new Committee of Supplies will be limited to individual firms, or if development boards, or other bodies representing areas whose efforts to obtain for their industries a share in rearmament work have so far met with little success, may also put their case before the Committee; and whether, in order to retain the confidence of the public in their work, the Committee will be required to make periodic reports to Parliament?

The Prime Minister

I am not yet in a position to add to the statement which I made in the course of the Debate of Thursday last.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

Will the establishment of this Committee involve any charge upon public funds for the provision of offices and staff or other matters?

The Prime Minister

No, Sir, I do not think so.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the very great desire felt in various parts of the country that development boards should get an opportunity to put their case before the new Committee?

The Prime Minister

I will bear that in mind.