§ 38. Mr. Parkinasked the President of the Board of Trade what development councils have been appointed under the Industrial Organisation Act; when it is expected that others will be set up; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. H. WilsonNo development councils have yet been appointed. Good progress has however been made towards the establishment of a council for the cotton industry, and I hope to publish during the Recess a White Paper containing my proposals. Discussions are proceeding with several other industries, and though they have not hitherto gone as fast or as far as I should have liked, I intend to press them forward, and hope to be able to lay proposals before the House early in the New Year.
§ Mr. A. Edward DaviesWill the Minister assure the House that the development council for the pottery industry will not be reduced in its powers from being an executive body to one of an advisory nature?
§ Mr. WilsonI would certainly say, in regard to a number of development councils, that in case there is any misunderstanding on this point we intend to proceed with development councils in the full form in which they were envisaged when Parliament passed the Act.
§ Sir W. DarlingIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that perhaps his difficulties in setting up these councils are due to the decision not to accept representatives from the various trade associations—that the Ministry want to select individuals themselves?
§ Mr. WilsonI do not think that the difficulties have anything to do with it.