§ 15. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement about the personnel and work and scope of the Shipping Advisory Panel which he recently set up, indicating in particular the number and nature 395 of the problems it has considered, the advice it gave him and the number of its meetings.
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettThe terms of reference and membership of the Panel are as set out in my right hon. Friend's reply to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Barkston Ash (Sir L. Ropner) on 2nd August, 1962. The Panel has got quickly down to a number of important and valuable studies, but its proceedings are private and I have at present no announcement to make about them.
§ Mr. HughesIn view of the many problems which confront the shipping industry, does not the Parliamentary Secretary think that the sittings of the Panel should be in public and that it should issue periodic reports? Will he see that it does so for the guidance of the shipping industry?
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettNo, Sir. With great respect to the hon. and learned Gentleman, that would be most unsuitable. The object of having the Panel is that matters of great commercial privacy should be discussed so that we can see the best way in which we can give help.
§ Mr. HughesWhy should this Panel be different from any other? Why should it do its work in secret? Why should not its recommendations be made public?
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettI am certain that there are other panels which sit in secret.