HC Deb 22 December 1965 vol 722 cc487-8W
Mr. Merlyn Rees

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he is aware that there are no representatives of the mail order section of the industry on the Distributive Economic Development Council; and if, in view of the growth in this aspect of distribution, he will correct this anomaly.

Mr. Albu

Economic development committees are appointed by invitation from the Director-General of the National Economic Development Council on behalf of the Council, after consulting appropriate organisations. The Mail Order Traders' Association of Great Britain was consulted on membership of the Distribution Economic Development Committee and an executive of a mail order firm is a member of the Committee's Stocks Sub-Committee. The composition of the committee seeks to strike the best obtainable balance between the many different sectors within the distributive trades and we see no present need for change. Appointments to all these committees are for two years so that membership may be reviewed after that period.