asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will make a statement on the recent report of the joint committee appointed by the accountancy bodies to consider the Cross Committee's proposals.

The joint committee is to be congratulated on the speed and thoroughness with which it has done its work. It is of course a matter for the professional bodies concerned to consider implementation of the recommendations addressed to them. These recommendations will require careful consideration by all concerned, but I am sure that the profession will respond promptly and responsibly to the very significant lead which the report has given.