_Investigations Incidental to Program Development or Enforcement_: The Economy Act passed in the first month of the Roosevelt administration effected reductions in government pensions and salaries with a view to reducing the cost of Federal operations. Salary reductions were to vary with fluctuations in a cost of living index to be ascertained through investigation by government agencies.[519] The Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1933, in setting up an emergency program for the rehabilitation of growers of certain commodities directed the Secretary of Agriculture to make investigations and such reports to the President concerning the program as appeared necessary to its execution. In conjunction with the National Industrial Recovery Act of June 1933 was a 1934 amendment which authorized the President to establish a board or boards to investigate issues, facts, practices, or activities of employers or employees in any controversies arising under section 7 (a) of the statute which were burdening, obstructing, or threatening to burden or obstruct, the free flow of interstate commerce.[520] The Second War Powers Act required the Secretary of Commerce, under Presidential direction, to make such special investigations and reports of census or statistical matters as might be needed in connection with conduct of the war. The Act imposed a penalty against anyone who refused to answer questions, gave false statements or deliberately neglected to answer questions asked by Departmental subordinates in the conduct of investigations.[521] It also accorded the government the right to inspect the plants and audit the books of defense contractors.[522] Before presenting to a court a certificate requesting a stay of judicial proceedings on claims for damages caused by naval vessels during the War, the Secretary of the Navy had to conduct an investigation of the case in order to satisfy himself that the issuance of the certificate was necessary.[523] A principal purpose of the Employment Act of 1946 was the establishment of an agency to investigate and report upon the current state of the national economy.[524] The Housing and Rent Act of 1948 specified that the Housing Expediter should make surveys from time to time with a view to decontrolling housing accommodations at the earliest practicable date.[525] The Federal Civil Defense Administrator is charged by the statute creating the Federal Civil Defense Administration with responsibility to prepare national plans and programs, and to request reports on state plans directed at fulfillment of the objectives of the Act.[526]