HC Deb 11 April 1940 vol 359 c675
1. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can make a statement on the report of the committee of inquiry into the method of compiling the cost of living index figure; when he expects the report to be published; and what action he proposes to take?

The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Brown)

The summarisation of the main results of the inquiry is now approaching completion. I am, however, unable at present to say when it will be possible to publish the report. I hope to be in a position to announce very shortly the composition of the committee which I am appointing to consider the results.

Miss Wilkinson

Does that mean that, having waited all this long time to get this urgently necessary index figure, we are now to have a committee to see whether we can have the result?

Mr. Brown

That is not it at all. The hon. Lady must understand that if this thing is to carry public confidence at every stage, we must have those people concerned—trade unions, employers' organisations and others who are experts in this matter—to give us advice as to what we should do about the millions of figures that have to be analysed.

Miss Wilkinson

Can we have a guarantee from the Minister that the terms of reference of this committee will not be to see how little they can let the public know?

Mr. Brown

The hon. Lady shows that she has not followed the course of this matter.