HC Deb 04 February 1954 vol 523 cc544-5
33. Mr. Beswick

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how far proposals for some permanent organisation for the collection and analysis of all economic data related to the economic development of the British Commonwealth were discussed at the Sidney Conference; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Maudling

There is already adequate and effective machinery for examining problems of economic development in the various Commonwealth capitals, and I do not think that any other organisation for this purpose is called for, nor were any such proposals discussed at Sydney.

Mr. Beswick

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that if I am fortunate enough to catch Mr. Speaker's eye I shall reserve my supplementary question to the Chancellor of the Exchequer until later this afternoon?

Mr. Maudling

I agree that this is a very important matter, and I am grateful to the hon. Member for his leniency towards me, but there is a Sterling Area Statistical Committee, which regularly meets in London, and I think he will find that Commonwealth Governments are extremely well served by the statistical services of this Committee.