HC Deb 06 February 1964 vol 688 cc222-4W
Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what economic development committees for individual industries have been set up by the National Economic Development Council; and what were their terms of reference.

Mr. Maudling

Meetings preliminary to the setting up of economic development committees are currently being held with the following industriesChemicals; chocolate and sugar confectionery; distribution; electrical engineering; electronics; machine tools; mechanical engineering; paper and board; wool textiles.

The terms of reference of each of these committees will be as follows: Within the context of the work of the National Economic Development Council and in accordance with such working arrangements as may be determined from time to time between the Council and the Committee, the Committee will—

  1. (1) examine the economic performance, prospects and plans of the industry and assess from time to time the industry's progress in relation to the national growth objectives, and provide information and forecasts to the Council on these matters;
  2. (2) consider ways of improving the industry's economic performance, competitive power and efficiency and formulate reports and recommendations on these matters as appropriate.