HC Deb 23 June 1947 vol 439 cc24-5
45. Mr. W. Shepherd

asked the Prime Minister, if he will issue, as a White Paper or in some other convenient form, a statement giving a description of the existing Governmental machinery of economic planning and control.

The Lord President of the Council (Mr. Herbert Morrison)

I have been asked to reply. The Governmental machinery for economic planning and control has been described from time to time and announcements have already been made about all recent developments. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister does not think that the issue of a further statement would be appropriate at the present time.

Mr. Shepherd

Is not the Lord President aware that there is as much confusion in the public mind about this machinery as about what comes out of the machinery, and would it not be a good thing to have a real statement of what actually happens behind the scenes?

Mr. Morrison

I think the assumption on which the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question is put is unfounded.

Mr. Frank Byers

Might I ask the Lord President to reconsider this, because a considerable number of people would be extremely interested to know exactly what is the planning set-up, and in a democracy surely, they have the right to know? Would he not consider it seriously and favourably?

Mr. Morrison

The hon. Gentleman is begging the question. I have already answered the Question on the Paper which dealt with that very point.