HC Deb 24 April 1967 vol 745 c1150
42. Mr. David Howell

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he will now move to set up a Select Committee to enable Parliament to play its part in the public discussion initiated by Her Majesty's Government on the proposal for a regional employment premium.

Mr. Crossman

As I said in answer to a question following the Business Statement last week, I am thinking carefully about the way in which the House should consider the Green Paper. I will certainly bear this suggestion in mind.

Mr. Howell

While welcoming that news, may I ask whether the Leader of the House will agree that there are some very complicated economic arguments advanced in the Green Paper, and is it not right that hon. Members should have the opportunity to question both the Ministers and the economic advisers who thought up these ideas, if possible in public? Does he not agree that if this technique is to be used in future it ought to be in an Economic Affairs Committee so that we can raise the level of public debate on these questions?

Mr. Crossman

I should be inclined to agree with the hon. Member, if there were such a committee, it would be the kind of subject to refer to it. We do not have such a committee, however. There is also the question of timing. We have to consider the most suitable way of consulting the House, but I can assure the hon. Member that the House will be consulted before a decision is taken.