§ 36. Mr. Osborneasked the Minister of Labour how many meetings of the Cost-of-Living Advisory Committee have taken place since 16th December; on what dates they were held; and if he has a further statement to make on the data upon which the Interim Cost-of-Living Index is based.
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Aneurin Bevan)Nominations have now been received from the various organisations represented on the Cost-of-Living Advisory Committee. The first meeting of the committee will take place on Wednesday, 7th February.
§ Mr. OsborneWhile we are grateful to the Minister for having started this Committee, may I ask if he will bear in mind that his predecessor promised to do this over a period of three years and that nothing has been done? Since millions of wages depend on this index, and since the workers do not feel that it reflects the true cost of living, will the Minister hasten matters?
§ Mr. BevanThe committee having I been appointed, it is now for them to do their work in their own way. This is a very complicated matter.