andMr. Barry asked the Minister for Defence if he will state in respect of each of the commissions and interdepartmental committees referred to in a reply of 1st March (1) the purpose for which it was set up and (2) when it is expected that it will issue a final report.

The Civil Defence Council was established

(a) to ensure that the peacetime activities of the various bodies charged with the development of Civil Defence would be effectively co-ordinated;

(b) to consider generally all matters in relation to Civil Defence planning and to suggest any organisational developments of Civil Defence which it might from time to time regard as desirable.

The Council being an advisory body, the question of the issue of a final report does not arise.

145.

andMr. Barry asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state in respect of each of the commissions and inter-departmental committees referred to in a reply of 1st March (1) the purpose for which it was set up and (2) when it is expected that it will issue a final report.

The Committee referred to in my reply of 1st March is the interdepartmental Committee to coordinate the implementation of manpower policy. The Committee was set up to advise and assist the National Manpower Agency in its work and to ensure that there is no overlapping or duplication of effort between the various Departments and official agencies with interests in manpower matters. The Committee will be a continuing one and there is no question of its issuing a final report.