§ 15. Mr. Oramasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about the composition and functions of the committees proposed as links between the National Economic Development Council and specific industries; and what proposals he has for financing them.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe economic development committees will be composed of representatives of management and unions, other members with special knowledge and experience, the Government Departments concerned and the National Economic Development Office. The committee's terms of reference were set out in my right hon. Friend's reply of 6th February to my hon. Friend the Member for Chigwell (Mr. Biggs-Davison). There is provision for the Office to meet the expenses of these committees, although I understand that a number of the industrial organisations concerned intend to meet the expenses of their own representatives.
§ Mr. OramWhile these committees obviously can do a very useful job, was it not unfortunate that at least in the 1169 initial stages there were doubts about their financing, and can he say whether those doubts have now been removed to the full satisfaction of all parties? Should it not be a full Government responsibility? As on the first five committees that have been set up the chairmen in all five cases do not include trade unionists, is there not some danger that the usefulness of these committees will be prejudiced if there is bias in their choice of personnel?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI think that the personalities from all sections of society who have said that they will be good enough to serve on these committees command great confidence. As to the first part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, the National Economic Development Council has the power to pay in the appropriate cases the travelling expenses of members attending meetings and I do not think that there is any reasonable cause for concern about that matter now.