asked the Secretary of State for Industry why he has invited one political party only, namely the Co-operative Party, to nominate a representative as a member of the joint working group set up by his Department with outside bodies to develop the idea of a Co-operative Development Agency; and whether he will now invite other major political parties to nominate members of the group.

The Co-operative Party was invited to nominate a representative to serve on the working group because it plays an important rôle in the co-operative movement in this country and has relevant experience which is likely to be helpful to the group's work. I do not propose to invite other political parties to participate, but the group will of course, consider any written observations that interested organisations or individuals may submit.