45. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Prime Minister whether in view of the fact that most of the modern problems of this country are economic and there exists no machinery in the House of Commons for dealing with them, he will consider setting up a committee of Members of Parliament, drawn from all parties, to inquire into these matters and submit their recommendations to the Government?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir.
Mr. De la BèreHas not my right hon. Friend truly said that the economic problem for Great Britain and her Empire is urgent, vital and dominant? Are we to believe that nothing can be done, in connection with the problem of supply and demand, in the near future?
§ The Prime MinisterThere is, so far as I am aware, a Committee of Members of Parliament, drawn from all parties, who inquire into these matters and inform the Government.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs the Prime Minister's answer based on the assumption that hon. Members have no information or guidance to offer on the subject of economic policy, or is it based on the assumption that the Government are ready to embark on an economic policy that will be satisfactory to the House?
§ The Prime MinisterThose are rather serious issues with which to confront me without notice.
Mr. De la BèreIs there any machinery for enforcing this sort of inquiry, without which all inquiry and thought are in vain?