§ 2. Mr. Biffenasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs by what amount he expects the permanent staff of the National Board for Prices and Incomes to be increased on account of prospective legislation amending Part II of the Prices and Incomes Act.
§ The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. Frederick Lee)Until the Bill has been considered by Parliament it would be premature to attempt such an estimate.
§ Mr. BiffenIn view of the existing evidence, which points to the indifferent and contentious nature of many of these reports, and the fact that they have had to be done with the help of vast numbers of outside consultants—whose names are never disclosed to the public or this House—does not the right hon. Gentleman think that he should be able to give some assurance on this subject, certainly by the time the Bill is published?
§ Mr. LeeNo, and I believe that the hon. Gentleman is being too pessimistic. I see a future in which the Board will be dealing with issues of principle rather than dealing with so many individual issues. When the Bill is published, and we see how it is working, we will be able to make a better assessment.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodCan the right hon. Gentleman say when the Bill will be published and whether he expects it to become law before the Summer Recess?
§ Mr. LeeThe Bill will be published shortly and I hope that it will become law before the Summer Recess.