Mr. McKieasked the President of the Board of Trade the terms of reference of the various working parties; if they can report on the many disabilities imposed upon them by the continuance of controls and any matters affecting his Department; and will all such details be printed as a Parliamentary Paper.
§ Mr. Ellis SmithI would refer the hon. Member to the statement made to the House on 15th October in which the terms of reference of the working parties were set out. The working parties can report upon any matter, including the continuance of controls, which, in their opinion, has a significant bearing upon the long-term efficiency of the industry in question. The reports will be published.
Mr. McKieasked the President of the Board of Trade how many working parties have been set up in various industries; how many persons are being employed in them; and what is the charge on the National Exchequer.
§ Mr. Ellis SmithAs the House was told on 15th October, working parties have so far been set up for five industries. Apart from the chairmen, the members of the five working parties number 63 in all. In addition, each working party has a civil servant as a secretary. I am not in a position to say what will be the charge on the National Exchequer.