HC Deb 20 February 1945 vol 408 c630
57. Sir Geoffrey Mander

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what pro-press has now been made in establishing on a permanent basis the small central staff qualified to measure and analyse economic trends and submit appreciations of them to the Ministers concerned, as proposed in Command Paper 6527, the White Paper on employment.

Sir J. Anderson

As stated in the White Paper on Recruitment to the Civil Service in the Reconstruction Period (Command Paper 6567), the Government has decided to retain after the war a central body of economists and statisticians such as has been set up in the Cabinet Offices during the war. The question of the appropriate staffing arrangements is being actively pursued.

Sir G. Mander

Can my right hon. Friend say if he has earmarked, at any rate, in his own mind, the particular individuals who will be suitable and available for this very important work?

Sir J. Anderson

Yes, so far as is practicable, I have done so.

Mr. MacLaren

Is it the case that the famous astrologer, Mr. Naylor, has been invited to join this staff?