HC Deb 03 July 1962 vol 662 cc278-9
Q9. Dr. D. Johnson

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider alternative methods of seeking advice on the issues of the day, other than by the appointment of committees and commissions manned by members who have no responsibility to the electorate.

The Prime Minister

If my hon. Friend has any specific suggestions to make, I will naturally consider them.

Dr. Johnson

Is my right hon. Friend aware that while the committee that was in my mind when I put this Question down and my comments concerning it were considered unsuitable for the Order Paper, none the less this Question is meant in general terms? Is he not aware that in other spheres also appointees are made to these committees and commissions whose attitude of mind is preponderantly alien to that of many of the electors who put the Government into power, and will he not consider the galaxy of talent which is available to him in other directions?

The Prime Minister

I think that my hon. Friend has made his point. Just as there are some comments which may not be suitable for the Order Paper, there are other things that may not be suitable to be reported in HANSARD, so I will just take note of what he has said and leave it at that.

Mr. J. T. Price

In view of some recent strange decisions of Her Majesty's Government, can the Prime Minister assure us that he does not consult astrologists?

The Prime Minister

There are lots of eggheads and lots of highbrows, but we do not have any astrologists, so far as I know, on the panel. There is a certain Dr. Gallup who ought to be considered.