§ Mr. Evennettasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the withdrawal of the trade unions from the National Economic Development Council, he will make a statement on its future.
§ Mr. LawsonThe TUC's decision not to attend the council until further notice is regrettable, but I understand that the economic development committees — EDCs — are not affected by it. It would not be right to take hasty decisions. But if the absence of the TUC members were to be prolonged, it would inevitably raise questions about the future of NEDC.