§ 7. Mr. Shinwellasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the terms of reference of the National Economic Development Council will enable that body to make recommendations on the reorganisation of industry on the basis of public ownership.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydIt is open to the Council to consider any subject which it thinks relevant to the economic performance of the nation and, in particular, to its rate of sound growth.
§ Mr. ShinwellWill the right hon. and learned Gentleman answer my question? Is it included in the terms of reference?
§ Mr. LloydNo, the terms of reference are more general; I did in fact give them to the House in the course of my speech in one of the economic debates.
§ Mr. ShinwellCannot the Council go outside the terms of reference and deal with this very important aspect of the reorganisation of industry?
§ Mr. LloydI specifically said when I started the work of the Council that I would not seek to veto any topic which it wished to discuss.
§ Mr. MathewWill my right hon. and learned Friend state if the Council will be able to recommend denationalisation?
§ 12. Mr Fisherasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the National Economic Development Council will include in its studies the special problems of Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydThe Council's field of work covers the whole of the United Kingdom. The Director-General of the Council is in touch with the Economic Adviser to the Northern Ireland Government.
§ Mr. FisherIn view of the persistently high level of unemployment in Northern Ireland as compared with any other part of the United Kingdom, will my right hon, and learned Friend ask the N.E.D.C. to give special consideration to the possibility of establishing new industries in Northern Ireland?
§ Mr. LloydThe question of the level of employment in various parts of the United Kingdom will certainly be within the terms of reference of the Council.
§ Mr. MellishWill the Chancellor note that Northern Ireland is in a special category because, in addition to the shipbuilding crisis which it has had for so long, there is now an appalling problem in the aircraft industry? Will he appreciate that this small country is part of the United Kingdom and is facing problems which deserve special attention?
§ Captain OrrMy right hon. and learned Friend will be aware that another committee is looking into the problems of Northern Ireland, namely, the Hall Committee. Can he tell us when its report will be available?