§ Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Prime Minister what Departments are engaged in considering plans to meet the slump in trade; how frequently inter-departmental consultations on this subject are held; and when the last such meeting took place?
§ Sir J. SimonAs the Prime Minister indicated in reply to the hon. and learned Member on 22nd June, the Government do not accept his description of the present state of trade. The Government have at all times and continually under review the possibility of improving the situation. Representatives of the different Departments concerned study the ques-48W tion and discussions are arranged from time to time between them as may be necessary. Suitable arrangements have been made for liaison between the Ministers concerned, but no specially constituted body holding formal meetings is requisite for this purpose.