HC Deb 26 January 1943 vol 386 cc357-8
49. Sir John Mellor

asked the Minister without Portfolio whether the letter, dated 27th January, 1942, from his predecessor to Sir William Beveridge, stating that the Report of the Inter-Departmental Committee would be signed by the chairman alone, was written as a result of the extension of the terms of reference announced by his predecessor in the House of Commons on the same date?

Sir W. Jowitt

No, Sir. I would add that the answer given by my predecessor on 27th January, 1942, did not, in fact, extend the scope of the Committee's inquiry but was merely intended to give it publicity so that appropriate evidence might be submitted.

Sir J. Mellor

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that reference to pages 2 and 18 of the Report clearly indicates that the Committee regarded that announcement as an extension of the terms of reference?

Sir W. Jowitt

I cannot agree. The Committee did not regard it as an extension; they were anxious to have it quite plain that the terms of reference did already extend to this topic so that persons interested might bring appropriate evidence.

Sir J. Mellor

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman say what new situation, unforeseen at the time the Committee were appointed, caused this letter to be written?

Sir W. Jowitt

What caused it to be written was the desire of the Committee to get evidence on this topic and to avoid anybody thinking, and thinking wrongly, that the terms of reference did not already extend to this topic.