HC Deb 13 January 1971 vol 809 cc61-2
35. Mr. Sheldon

asked the Minister for the Civil Service if he will make a further statement on the Central Policy Review Staff.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Civil Service Department (Mr. David Howell)

I have nothing to add to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary gave to the hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshaw (Mr. Alfred Morris) on 17th December.—[Vol. 808, c. 446.]

Mr. Sheldon

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a number of constitutional matters arise as a result of the setting up of the Central Policy Review Staff? Will he at least undertake to keep the House fully informed and not to apply secrecy to this important new development? When shall we be told how many members of this staff will be dealing with matters concerning economic policy? May we be given information about further appointments that are being made?

Mr. Howell

I accept that there are important implications arising from this development and I undertake to see that the House is fully informed at the appropriate time as developments take place. It is too early yet to give the hon. Gentleman the information which he seeks in the remainder of his supplementary question.