HC Deb 15 December 1953 vol 522 cc21-2W
12 and 13. Mr. Erroll

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) the present functions of the Economic Planning Board; how often it meets; and whether any of its decisions may now be made public;

(2) the present composition of the Economic Planning Board; and details of the qualifications of its members.

Mr. R. A. Butler

The functions of the Economic Planning Board are unchanged; they are "to advise Her Majesty's Government on the best use of our economic resources." The Board meets frequently. Below is a list of the present members. As my hon. Friend will see, the Board is composed of experienced representatives of both sides of industry and senior Government officials. Since the Board is advisory the last part of the first Question by my hon. Friend does not arise.

Following is the list

Chairman

Sir Bernard Gilbert, Treasury.

Members

  • Mr. W. L. Heywood, Mr. J. Tanner, Sir Vincent Tewson; Nominated by the Trades Union Congress.
  • Sir Graham Cunningham, Sir Godfrey Mitchell, Sir W. Reginald Verdon Smith; Nominated by the Federation of British Industries and the British Employers' Confederation.
  • Sir Eric Bowyer, Ministry of Materials.
  • Sir Herbert Brittain, H.M. Treasury.
  • Mr. R. L. Hall, H.M. Treasury.
  • Sir James Helmore, Ministry of Supply.
  • Sir Godfrey Ince, Ministry of Labour and National Service.
  • Sir Frank Lee, Board of Trade.
  • Sir John Maud, Ministry of Fuel and Power.
  • Sir Edwin Plowden, Lord President's Office.
  • Mr. W. Strath, H.M. Treasury.