National Economic Development Council

HC Deb 13 February 1962 vol 653 cc123-4W

Dr. Bennett

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what arrangements will be made for ensuring that adequate scientific advice will be available to the National Economic Development Council; and whether he proposes to invite representatives of science to take part in its meetings.

Sir E. Boyle

These are questions which the Council itself will have to consider, and which I already have in mind to put to it.

Mr. A. Lewis

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when his Department started to spend money on the National Economic Development Council; how much has been spent on that Council to date; what amount of this has been spent on office furniture and equipment for No. 1 New Bridge Street; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

The accommodation at No. 1, Bridge Street was already in course of preparation for a Government Department when the decision was taken early in January to put the National Economic Development Council and its staff there instead. The cost of adaptation to this new use is estimated at £550. and the cost of office furniture and equipment to date at about £5,000. Provision for expenditure on staff costs in the current year has been made in the Supplementary Estimate for the Vote for Royal Commissions etc. (Class I, Vote 19) now before the House.