For immediate release 28 June 2007
STUC comment on the First Minister’s statement on the Council of Economic Advisers
Speaking after the First Minister’s statement on the Council of Economic Advisers, Grahame Smith, STUC General Secretary, said:
“The STUC is supportive of the CoEA although we would have been more comfortable with a model along US Federal lines as suggested in the SNP manifesto. We remain to be convinced about the inclusion of selected business people whilst other key constituencies are excluded and it is a concern that there does not appear to be a member with particular labour market expertise.
“It is also vital that advice provided to the First Minister is transparent and that the Council is accountable to Parliament.
“However, the STUC welcomes the First Minister’s commitment to establishing a National Economic Forum. It is important that the government now takes sufficient time to get the remit and membership right. Early decisions on both will define the future success of the Forum.”
ENDS
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