Economic Information Committee

HC Deb 04 March 1948 vol 448 cc525-6

63. Mr. De la Bére

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he will give the names of the Economic Committee of the Central Office of Information and the chairman who presides over this committee, together with particulars of the aims and objects and the general policy.

Mr. Jay

The hon. Member presumably refers to the Economic Information Committee. This is a committee of officials which is responsible, subject to Ministers, for co-ordinating the work of the Government information services on economic questions. It would be contrary to practice to disclose the names of the officials who serve on this committee.

Mr. De la Bére

May I have an answer to the last part of my Question? What are the aims and objects of this Economic Committee?

Mr. Jay

If the hon. Member reads my answer he will see what they are.

Mr. De la Bére

I really cannot accept that sort of curt reply. I want to make the most vigorous protest, Mr. Speaker, against this treatment. It is an absolute scandal to give such a discourteous answer. It is monstrous.