2. Mr. Leslie Haleasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to give details of the additional industries in respect of which it is proposed to appoint a development council; and to indicate the dates when such appointment will be made.
Mr. H. WilsonProposals for development councils for the wool, pottery, hosiery and cutlery industries are under consideration, but I cannot say anything further.
Mr. HaleWhile appreciating my right hon. Friend's special difficulties at the moment, would he observe—I hope, not without emotion—the air of patient resignation, mixed with tolerance, with which I listened to that answer?
Mr. WilsonI said something about the attitude of the Government to development councils a week ago, when I spoke at some length. My hon. Friend will realise that there is some legal doubt at the moment about the position of development councils. Therefore, it would be difficult for me to say more now.
§ Mr. JenningsWill the right hon. Gentleman make certain, when setting up development councils, that the majority of those in the industry concerned are in favour of such a step?
Mr. WilsonI think the hon. Gentleman can do more than I can to help bring the majority of the industry into that frame of mind.
§ Mr. John MacLeodIf such a council was set up for the woollen industry, would there be a separate council for Scotland?
Mr. WilsonI do not think that there is any question of a separate development council in Scotland for the woollen industry, but the representation of Scotland might be a subject for Debate when the matter comes before this House.