§ 49. Captain Gammansasked the Minister without Portfolio whether he will cause to be published a statement showing the membership and scope of the special, Departmental and inter-Departmental Committees to whom the investigation of various aspects of post-war reconstruction has been referred and the stages reached in their investigations; and whether any approximate date can be fixed for the submission of their Reports?
§ Sir W. JowittI dealt with this matter in my speeches in this House on the 1st December and 22nd April last and also in my replies on l0th January and 13th April to Questions by my hon. Friends the Members for Romford (Mr. Parker) and Chester-le-Street (Mr Lawson) respectively. I do not think I can usefully add anything to these statements.
§ Captain GammansCan the Minister give us a list of the Committees, Departmental and otherwise?
§ Sir W. JowittNo, I think that is most undesirable. The Committees are composed simply of civil servants who have been asked to advise the Ministers on particular questions. The fact that it concerns two Departments means that two or more civil servants send in what are to all intents and purposes minutes to their Ministers.
§ Captain GammansAre all these Committees composed of civil servants?
§ Sir W. JowittYes, Sir.