HC Deb 17 December 1963 vol 686 cc179-80W
50. Mr. Biffen

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what communications he has received from members of the General Council of the National Economic Development Council concerning consultation with the general council regarding, or disclosure to the general council of, Government White Papers before they are presented to Parliament; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The National Economic Development Council discussed on 4th December a letter which my right hon. Friend had received from the General Secretary of the T.U.C. My right hon. Friend made it clear that the Government are ready to consider even closer co-operation in the council's work; but he stressed that that work could only be effective if the Government's other partners in the Council followed the same principle in their actions.