HC Deb 09 May 1963 vol 677 cc657-9
38. Mr. Jay

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether Her Majesty's Government accept the conclusions and recommendations in the report of the National Economic Development Council entitledConditions Favourable to Faster Growth;and if he will make a statement.

Mr. du Cann

This was a report by the National Economic Development Office. It has been published on the authority of the Council collectively. Individual members are not committed in detail and the report as a whole is still being studied by the Council.

Mr. Jay

But as the Chancellor of the Exchequer is chairman of this Council, may not some people think that he agrees with the views it expresses? Could we not at least have this matter cleared up? Do I now understand the Economic Secretary to be saying that the Chancellor and, indeed, other members of the Council, do not necessarily agree with the conclusions and recommendations of its Report?

Mr. du Cann

The position is that neither the Council collectively nor individual members necessarily endorse everything in this Report, but all are certainly agreed that these matters call for discussion.

Mr. Jay

As it is obvious to everyone, even without the Report, that these matters call for discussion, is the position regarding the recommendations and conclusions such that these are just expressions of opinion with which the members of the Council do not necessarily agree?

Mr. du Cann

They are certainly expressions of opinion designed to call attention to these problems. Many of the suggestions made in the latest Report have been fully implemented by the Chancellor in his Budget. The Government are playing a large part in the work of N.E.D.C. It is up to management and trade unions to play an equal part in the future.

Mr. Grimond

Does the Economic Secretary agree that there is an important point here about the relationship of N.E.D.C. both to the Government and this House? When he says that these matters are to be discussed, does he mean that the House will have an opportunity to discuss them and, if so, will this occur after the Government have adopted or rejected them?

Mr. du Cann

I think that the House will be continually discussing the economic situation. We have just concluded an economic debate lasting four days, with another day's debate on the Finance Bill, during which many references were made to the work being done by N.E.D.C. The Government very much welcome these discussions of all aspects of the present economic situation, and of what can be done to improve the position.

Mr. Shinwell

Does that mean that, some day, a report will be presented to the House and facilities made available to debate it? Or does it mean that the matter, or a variety of matters, can be raised on the Finance Bill, although not actually related to the subjects contained in the Report? My right hon. Friend the Member for Battersea, North (Mr. Jay) pointed out that the Government have a primary responsibility because the Chancellor of the Exchequer is chairman of N.E.D.C.

Mr. du Cann

I am sure that it is true that the country as a whole welcomes the constructive work being done by the N.E.D.C. The publication of its reports is a useful contribution to thinking and a prelude to action. I am sure that that is right. I am equally sure that the House has welcomed the opportunity of discussing the work of N.E.D.C. in the past.

Mr. Mitchison

When the Chancellor of the Exchequer chairs the N.E.D.C., has he his Treasury hat on or another one?

Mr. du Cann

N.E.D.C. meets indoors, and everything which flows from that is understood.