asked the Prime Minister whether he is prepared to consider the suggestion, widely supported by representative employers and employed, that a Commission comprising leading men of all parties in the House should be set up with power to work together, without consideration of any party politics, with the object of discovering a real remedy for the evil of unemployment; whether, if such a Commission were formed, he would give facilities for its action to be made effective; and whether the Commission could be empowered to call upon independent leaders of industry, commerce and labour to share its deliberations and assist in putting its conclusions into operation?

I would remind my hon. Friend that a strong Committee under the chairmanship of Sir Arthur Balfour was set up last July to inquire into the conditions and prospects of British industry and commerce, and is still at work, and that the problems presented by the iron and steel industry have been, within the last few days, referred specially to the Committee of Civil Research. In addition, there is a Committee of the Cabinet continuously in being, which promotes and co-ordinates Government action in all measures for the relief of unemployment. The last thing I should wish to do is to reject without full consideration any suggestion which seems to contain the promise of fruitful results, but I am bound to say that I cannot at present sec the advantage of appointing a Commission such as my hon. Friend suggests, in addition to the bodies which, as I have explained, are already dealing with the matter from various aspects.

Can the Prime Minister say when the steel report is likely to be received.

No, Sir.

With reference to the first part of the Prime Minister's answer, could he say whether it is intended to issue an interim report by the Balfour Committee on Trade and Industry? I put the question yesterday on the Board of Trade Vote, but received no answer.

I do not know about that, but perhaps the hon. Member will put down a question.

Does the right hon. Gentleman hope shortly to have a report from the Co-ordination Cabinet Committee?

No.

Are we to assume that there is nothing doing anywhere?

I believe that my hon. Friend probably will make that assumption in any event.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that that assumption is justified from his answer?

No.