§ Mr. BILLINGasked the Prime Minister if he has received a Report as to the progress and recommendations, if any, of the Shipping and Shipbuilding Committee; how many sittings this Committee has held within the last six months; whether any changes have been made in the personnel of this Committee during this period; what is the annual cost to the State of this Committee, including salaries, rent, rates, taxes, printing, posting, and stationery; and whether the perpetuation of this Committee is proposed?
Sir A. STANLEYThe Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. The Shipping and Shipbuilding Industries 1939W Committee was set up in April, 1916, and, in addition to three interim Reports, has just presented the first portion of its final Report. During the past six months the Committee has held six meetings, and one change in the personnel of the Committee has occurred. I may refer the hon. Member for the further particulars he requires to the answer given to him on the 12th December last concerning the arrangements made for dealing with several Committees appointed to consider the position of important branches of industry after the War. The Shipping and Shipbuilding Committee is one of the Committees there referred to.