From the Preface: This study is intended to desribe the nature and institutional characterisitics of economic consultative bodies in other countries (France, Netherlands, Belgium, Britain, Sweden, Germany, United States), including some which have functions broadly similar to the Economic Council of Canada...The study examines a large number of consultative and advisory bodies under the following broad headings: -- the historical origins of such bodies; -- the socio-economic, environmental and motivational factors involved in their creation and evolution; -- the statutory basis for their consultative functions; -- the composition of membership; -- internal structures and procedures; -- their relationship with other bodies including agencies of government; -- financing and staffing.