§ 45. Mr. Douglas Jayasked the Prime Minister what steps he took to ascertain whether suitable candidates, with no declared political views, were available 27 before he recommended the appointment of Lord Waverley as Chairman of the Royal Commission on Taxation of Profits and Income.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Winston Churchill)Every appropriate step was taken in this as in other cases.
§ Mr. JayWill the Prime Minister assure us that, at the second attempt, he will find a genuinely independent Chairman? Further, as the terms of reference of the Commission were altered at the request of Lord Waverley, will he now restore the original terms of reference; and third, will he, in future, in this matter and in others, observe the same constitutional rules as the rest of us?
§ The Prime MinisterI dare say that there will be difficulties in finding people of the necessary distinction to face the insults that may be offered them by the Socialist Party. However, we will do our best.
§ Mr. Hugh GaitskellMay I ask the Prime Minister whether he really regards it as an insult to say that a man holds strong views on the subject of taxation? May I also press him on the point raised by my right hon. Friend, and ask him if it is the fact that the terms of reference of the Commission were altered at the request of Lord Waverley?
§ The Prime MinisterI must have notice of that.