§ 2.36 p.m.
§ LORD GLENDEVONMy 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 what have been the reasons for the successive stripping of important functions of government from the Board of Trade since October, 1964; and whether any further reductions are contemplated in the responsibilities of that Department.]
§ THE LORD PRIVY SEAL (THE EARL OF LONGFORD)My Lords, the Board of Trade has gained important functions as well as losing others. Since 1964 the Government have re-cast by stages the machinery of Government for dealing with industry and with economic affairs so that we can make a more effective contribution to modernising the economy. The Department of Economic Affairs has been set up with responsibility for framing the strategy of economic policy and regional planning, and for co-ordinating the Government's industrial policies, and is especially concerned with the work of the National Economic Development Council and the "little Neddies". The Ministry of Technology is the Department principally concerned with the engineering industries and with industrial research and development. The Board of Trade has gained responsibilities for shipping and civil aviation which are closely related to its responsibility for commercial policy. It is also responsible for new investment grants scheme. The Board of Trade's responsibilities are now well defined and no further changes are at present envisaged. However, my right honourable friend the Prime Minister 1436 keeps the machinery of Government under review.
§ LORD GLENDEVONMy Lords, nevertheless, in view of what is, I thank, to be demoralisation at the Board of Trade over what has happened, would the Government consider it wise to watch it?
§ THE EARL OF LONGFORDNo, my Lords. I gather that the noble Lord is in jocular mood, otherwise I should resent any suggestion that there has been any demoralisation at the Board of Trade.