HC Deb 15 July 1958 vol 591 cc985-6
16. Mr. Willey

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make a statement on the arrangements made regarding the placing of Government contracts with priority suppliers.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. Derick Heathcoat Amory)

These arrangements are at present under examination between the Departments concerned. One immediate practical step proposed is to arrange for fuller exchange of information and closer co-operation between the contracting Departments and representatives of the priority suppliers. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service is inviting the priority suppliers with whom he is concerned to take part in a Committee under Ministry of Labour chairmanship for this purpose.

Mr. Willey

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his statement will be greatly welcomed by those who are interested in the problem? Will he say whether it is possible to include members of organisations catering for the disabled and representatives of the Prison Commissioners on the Committee which he proposes to set up?

Mr. Amory

I will look into that suggestion.