HC Deb 19 April 1951 vol 486 cc1983-4
13. Mr. Erroll

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will publish the list of the committees that act as a link between his Department and industry.

Mr. H. Wilson

As the hon. Member for Woking (Mr. Watkinson) was informed on 12th April, the list is too long to publish in the OFFICAL REPORT, but, for the information of hon. Members, I am placing a copy in the Library.

Mr. Erroll

While it thus becomes possible for hon. Members to look at the copy, it is still not possible for the public or the Press to see a copy? Will the right hon. Gentleman make a copy or copies available to the Press and the public?

Mr. Wilson

I will consider that, but I thought hon. Gentlemen opposite wanted the maximum degree of consultation with these trade bodies. I thought also, in a recent debate on clothing, that they were very severe on my proposal to centralise arrangements for discussion with the clothing trade.

Mr. Erroll

But would not consultation be improved if the public knew of the existence of this committee?

Mr. Snow

Is my right hon. Friend aware that regional officers of his Ministry provide all this information and in all cases are helpful to inquirers?

Mr. Wilson

I am quite prepared to see that information is given to the Press and anyone who wants it.

Sir Waldron Smithers

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that every one of these committees is an added hindrance to our economic recovery?

Mr. Wilson

Practically every one of them was set up at the request of the trade or trade association concerned.