HL Deb 14 December 1949 vol 165 c1521

2.38 p.m.

EARL HOWE

My Lords, I beg to ask the second Question which stands on the Order Paper in my name.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they can indicate which wartime controls they intend or expect to terminate before the next General Election.]

THE MINISTER OF CIVIL AVIATION (LORD PAKENHAM)

My Lords, the noble Earl's question presents an equation containing, several variables and I fear that its solution at the moment is beyond me. I can, however, say that it is the policy of His Majesty's Government, while maintaining those basic controls which are essential for our economic recovery, for industrial efficiency, or for full employment, to relax or eliminate any controls which are not essential to secure proper distribution of materials which are still scarce. Many relaxations have already been announced in accordance with this policy, and the process of reviewing the controls and weeding out those which need no longer be retained continues all the time.