§ Sir G. Broadbridgeasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he proposes any further steps to secure the release of man-power from financial undertakings?
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§ Sir K. WoodA great deal has already been done by private initiative under general Government guidance, but I think that a further review of the situation is now called for, and in consultation with my right hon. Friends the President of the Board of Trade and the Minister of Labour and National Service I have appointed a Committee under the Chairmanship of Lord Kennet to ascertain and report what practical measures, whether by way of some form of concentration or otherwise, can still be taken to secure the greatest possible release of man-power in the sphere of banking, including investment trusts, finance and discount houses and stock exchange businesses, in ordinary insurance business and in industrial assurance. I contemplate that the Committee will act in three panels, one looking at banking and allied businesses, the second at ordinary insurance and the third at industrial assurance. I hope that the Committee after completing its survey will remain in being in case it can continue to be of further assistance to the Government in the same sphere. The following have been good enough to agree to serve on this Committee:
Lord Kennet (Chairman), Mr. F. H. E. Branson, Mr. J. C. Burleigh, Mr. G. Cunliffe, Mr. T. G. Davies, Mr. D. T. Garrett, Mr. E. H. Lever, Sir Felix Pole, Sir Robert Witt, C.B.E., Sir William Wood.