§ 33. Mr. Haworthasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he proposes to adopt any special measures for reviewing the structure and working of the controls affecting trade and industry as exercised by his Department.
§ Mr. H. WilsonYes, Sir. We are continuously modifying these controls; but I am not yet satisfied that we have fully adapted them to present needs. I have therefore decided to appoint a special Examiner to undertake a comprehensive review of the controls of my Department. I should like to make it clear that this appointment implies no change in the Government's overall policy on controls, but I am anxious to take every opportunity of eliminating anomalies and modifying their form and method of operation so that we can secure all the results we want with less friction and delay. I am glad to announce that Mr. Laurence Merrian, Managing Director of B.X. Plastics Ltd., who was Plastics Controller from 1941 to 1945, has accepted this appointment. He will initiate reviews of individual controls, elicit suggestions from industry and commerce, and make recommendations about the future operation of controls. His work will not cover consumer rationing or the control of retail prices.
My right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply has asked me to say that he has made a similar arrangement by appointing Sir Frederick Bovenschen, formerly Permanent Under-Secretary of State at the War Office, to review the controls exercised by his Department. I have promises of co-operation from the Trades Union Congress, and from the Federation of British Industries, the National Union of Manufacturers, and the Association of British Chambers of Commerce. The three latter bodies have agreed, at my suggestion, to set up an informal committee to assist with advice and suggestions. It would be a great help if firms which have suggestions to make would make them through this committee or through the appropriate trade body.
§ Mr. Peter RobertsIs not such a review long overdue?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterWill these reports, when received, be made available to this House?
§ Mr. WilsonNo, Sir. The reports will be of a purely administrative character. Many will not be in writing and will result, I hope, in day to day changes in the operation of controls.
§ Squadron-Leader FlemingIs the right hon. Gentleman doing anything as regards further control of prices? Is it intended to take any further steps about prices?
§ Mr. WilsonI signed 14 orders on that question two days ago, and when the hon. and gallant Member studies those orders he will be able to form an opinion.