HC Deb 01 August 1957 vol 574 cc1488-9
9. Dame Irene Ward

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give an assurance that, in assessing the capital investment programme for the nationalised industries, he has available the most up-to-date figures from the various Departments to whom these industries are under an obligation to supply them.

Mr. Birch

Yes, Sir, though we are always concerned to imrove our estimating.

Dame Irene Ward

It was very difficult to get the Question I wanted on the Order Paper, and I had to adopt this means. Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a feeling among many Government Departments that figures collected from private industry are given more readily, more accurately and more quickly, and that the nationalised industries are dragging their feet? Will he inquire of Government Departments about that and see whether they are as satisfied as he seems to be?

Mr. Birch

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Peyton

As the Question refers to up-to-date figures, does the Treasury condone the idea of this quite extraordinary report which has been produced by the Board of Trade on women's measurements?

Dame Irene Ward

Do let us have an answer.