HL Deb 17 June 1965 vol 267 cc191-2
LORD ERROLL OF HALE

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

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will now publish the working arrangements for the Exports Awards Scheme announced by the Prime Minister in January.]

THE LORD PRIVY SEAL (THE EARL OF LONGFORD)

My Lords, I understand that the Committee, under the chairmanship of the Duke of Edinburgh, which was asked to draw up the Scheme has nearly completed its work. It will not be possible to publish the working arrangements until after the Committee has submitted its report to the Prime Minister. I would remind the noble Lord that the Scheme is also intended to recognise technological innovation.

LORD ERROLL OF HALE

My Lords, I thank the noble Earl for his reply. Could he perhaps explain to the House why it has taken so long to work out a scheme which received a very fair blessing when it was originally announced, and could he also explain why we are not yet apparently to be told when the details will be published?

THE EARL OF LONGFORD

No, my Lords. I do not think I am bound to accept the view that this has taken a long time. The work has not been held up by the Duke of Edinburgh's absences abroad. I am afraid I cannot accept the implications of the question.

LORD BOOTHBY

My Lords, would the noble Earl agree that this is one of the most rapid reports made during the last fifty years?

THE EARL OF LONGFORD

My Lords, I think, if I may say so with great respect to both noble Lords, that the observations of the noble Lord, Lord Boothby, are nearer the mark than were those of the noble Lord, Lord Erroll of Hale.