HC Deb 05 February 1953 vol 510 cc1999-2000

The following Question stood upon the Order Paper:

3. MR. LANGFORD-HOLT: To ask the President of the Board of Trade the names of those who at present constitute the Board of Trade; and when the Board last met.

Mr. Langford-Holt

Before asking this Question, may I, on behalf of the whole House, say how glad we are to see the right hon. Gentleman back again in the House.

Mr. Speaker

I have a suggestion to make to the House. Though it is not customary, I think it might meet the wishes of the House if the right hon. Gentleman were allowed to stand all the time.

The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Peter Thorneycroft)

The answer to my hon. Friend's Question is that I am circulating a note of the membership of the Board of Trade in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I would mention that it includes among its members my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and His Grace the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury. The last recorded meeting of the Board of Trade, as a collective body, was held on 23rd December, 1850.

Mr. Langford-Holt

As, I understand, this Board includes among its members the Speaker of the House of Commons, can my right hon. Friend tell me whether it is intended that this august body shall meet?

Mr. Thorneycroft

With respect, Sir, I have found that it works very well with a quorum of one, and I should not like to disturb that arrangement.

Following is the information:

The Board is a Committee of the Privy Council for Trade and Foreign Plantations appointed by an Order in Council of 23rd August, 1786. The members of that Committee appointed by that Order in Council were as follow: