HC Deb 16 May 1960 vol 623 cc96-7W
Mr. E. Johnson

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make a statement about the future of the Council on Prices, Productivity and Incomes; and when the next report may be expected.

Mr. Amory

From the time of its establishment up to the summer of last year, when Lord Cohen found it necessary to ask to be relieved of his duties as Chairman, the Council rendered three valuable Reports.

The Government consider that these Reports contributed to a greater public awareness of the basic issues involved in the field of prices, productivity and incomes; and they believe that there is continuing scope for further studies and advice in these matters from an authoritative body independent of Government. It has therefore been decided that the Council should be reconstituted, and we have been fortunate in securing the services of Lord Heyworth as the new Chairman. Sir Harold Howitt, who was a member of the Council from its inception, has informed me that in his view rotation of membership is desirable and he is therefore retiring; his place will be taken by Sir Harold Emmerson. Professor H. Phelps Brown has agreed to continue to serve as a member. The terms of reference will be unchanged. They are as follows: Having regard to the desirability of full employment and increasing standards of life based on expanding production and reasonable stability of prices, to keep under review changes in prices, productivity and the level of incomes (including wages, salaries and profits) and to report thereon from time to time.

Owing to a number of commitments which Lord Heyworth had accepted before he was invited to undertake this task, he will not be able to take up the Chairmanship before the end of September. Accordingly the new Council will start its work at the beginning of October. The timing of reports will be a matter for the Council itself.

I should like to take this opportunity of expressing the warm thanks of the Government to the original members of the Council, Lord Cohen, Sir Harold Howitt and Professor Sir Dennis Robertson, for the valuable services which they gave to it. I would also record the Government's pleasure and satisfaction that Lord Heyworth and his two colleagues should have given their agreement to serve on the reconstituted Council.