§ 13. Mr. A. Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exechequer whether he will arrange to have attendances and minutes of the National Economic Development Council published; and if he will ensure, in the interests of encouraging national productivity, that members shall only be paid for actual attendances on an expense basis for expenses actually incurred.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydThe National Economic Development Council has not yet met. It will be for the Council to decide to what extent it will make its proceedings and recommendations public.
With regard to possible allowances for expenses, I will bear the hon. Member's suggestion in mind.
§ Mr. LewisIs the Minister aware that I am not asking what the Council will decide to do? I am asking whether the Chancellor will take some action to encourage industry generally by suggesting that the minutes of attendance of this Council should be published. As all those people who have been announced as members of the Council are receiving good salaries and expenses, is it not right that they should claim only for the actual expenses incurred, and should not make money out of their service on the Council?
§ Mr. LloydI have said that I will consider the hon. Member's point. I have not the slightest reason to think that any member of this Council, whether he represents a trade union or otherwise, will want to make money out of his attendance.