Edward S. Mason, George F. Baker Professor of Economics, was appointed last Monday by President Truman to a five-man committee that will study the nation's long range supply problems. This "Materials Policy Commission" will be headed by William S. Paley, chairman of the board of the Columbia Broadcasting System.

The commission will convene for the first time Tuesday. Mason described the problem as a "question of whether production in ten to 15 years time is likely to be hampered by shortages of materials and resources." The committee's job is to recommend "a raw materials policy for the United States," Mason added.

President Truman also asked the commission to report in six to nine months on prospects and estimated extent of shortages, "consistency and adequacy of existing government policies and programs, and consistency and adequacy of private industrial practices." Mason declined to comment on the sufficiency of current policies stating that he will start with an "open mind."

Since there will be only weekly or biweekly meetings, Mason will continue his present duties as Dean of the Graduate School of Public Administration. Although he could make no real predictions until the first meeting, Mason expects that the report will be ready by Labor Day.