§ 13. Mr. Rhodesasked the President of the Board of Trade what arrangements his Department makes fur dealing with individual industries; and what kind of information his Department calls for from each of the industries in his care.
§ Mr. MaudlingMy Department keeps in touch with individual industries mainly through trade associations but also in direct discussions with firms. There are some consultative committees relating to particular industries. In addition to statistical information, the views of industries are sought on many aspects of Government policy which affect their trading interests.
§ Mr. RhodesDoes the right hon. Gentleman believe that he is getting enough information on such items as orders arid stocks to be able to give him an up-to-date picture of the State of an industry at any time?
§ Mr. MaudlingAlthough we are all the time improving our statistical services, particularly on orders and stocks, I am certain that a good deal more can be done. But we must also always counter-balance the desirability of additional information against the considerable inconvenience created to business if one asks too many questions.