§ 28. Mr. John Leeasked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he will remove from office the Chairman of the National Board for Prices and Incomes.
§ Mr. Frederick Lee:No.
§ 32. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what plans he has to amend the operation and the practice of the National Board for Prices and Incomes in the light of recent experience of its working.
§ Mr. Frederick Lee:None. The Prices and Incomes Act 1966 leaves the Board with proper flexibility in determining its working practices.
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§ Mr. Biffenasked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what is the expected increase in the numbers of full- and part-time employees of the National Board for Prices and Incomes, as a result of its greater responsibilities for prices and incomes policy in the period of extreme moderation following devaluation.
§ Mr. Frederick Lee:As explained in reply to another of the hon. Member's Questions today, it is not possible to say at this stage if any extra staff will be required.
§ Mr. Biffenasked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what has been the total expenditure by the National Board for Prices and Incomes during the most conveniently available 12 months' period; and what percentage of this amount is accounted for by payments to consultants.
§ Mr. Frederick Lee:Expenditure by the National Board for Prices and Incomes in 1966–67 was £382,638, of which 26.6 per cent. represented payments to consultants.