XN000022-1974-03-27 — Page 4

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Wednesday, March 27, 1974

"At the same time, these founder members might wish to advise on

whether any government officers should be appointed on a personal basis,

having regard to their official duties and experience," he said.

The full council having been formed, would then settle down

to develop an information service on prices and evolve techniques for

identifying and exposing profiteering."

To this end, the government would be prepared to make available,

on a regular basis, all information on supplies and prices of various

commodities collected by the Census and Statistics Department, the Commerce

and Industry Department, the Urban Services Department and the Agriculture

and Fisheries Department for their own purposes.

Would

Mr. Haddon-Cave added: "The government would also be prepared

to seek vote provision for an annual subvention to the council and, if

the council so desired, to second government officers to enable it to

get to work quickly.

"The council could act on its conclusions by publicity or

by persuasion or by recommending action to the government.

"The government would also be happy to hear any views the council

may develop as to how relations between the public and those distributors

of essential commodities who are in a semi-monopolistic position (for

example, the oil companies) could be improved."

Mr. Haddon-Cave was confident that with vigour and determination

something could be done.

However, he .........................

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