HC Deb 13 June 1940 vol 361 c1362
7. Mr. Cocks

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour whether he will make a statement on the relations between the new area control boards and the area advisory committees set up under the Ministry of Supply by the previous Government, and now taken over by his Department?

Mr. Assheton

The functions of these committees under the new arrangements are being discussed urgently with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply and the industrial organisations concerned.

Mr. Cocks

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that the old area committees were extremely unsatisfactory, being very largely window-dressing, and will he give an assurance that the new boards will work more vigorously?

Mr. Assheton

There is every intention that they shall work as vigorously as possible.

Sir H. Williams

Will the hon. Gentleman say what will be the duties of the new boards?

Mr. Assheton

That is another question.