§ 15. Mr. Darlingasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will ask the Council on Prices, Productivity and Incomes to consider to what extent managerial inefficiency is responsible for high production costs, high service charges, high prices, low earnings for employees and inadequate profits.
Mr. AmoryIt is for the Council to determine the lines of its inquiries and the contents of its reports.
§ Mr. DarlingIs the Chancellor aware that the first Report which has come from the Council is based upon a false assumption, that everything is all right with British industry and trade? Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that, unless the Council pays attention to managerial inefficiency, which is responsible in many firms for high costs and prices and low earnings, it will continue to produce worthless reports?
Mr. AmoryI am afraid that I cannot agree with the hon. Gentleman's assumption or with his opinion of the Report which was presented.
§ Mr. RobensDoes the right hon. Gentleman intend to invite the Council to proceed with any further work, in view of the fact that its Report is obviously of no value to the community?