§ Mr. Eden(by Private Notice) asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the Debate on Thursday next, he will publish, for the information of the House, figures for the first half of 1949 showing the estimated extent to which the forecasts contained in Tables 9 to 17 inclusive of the Economic Survey for 1949 have been realised.
§ The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Douglas Jay)My right hon. and learned Friend will provide the House, before the Debate, with as much information as he can; but he will be unable, only a few days after the end of the half year, to give the House the comprehensive information for which the right hon. Member asks.
§ Mr. EdenThe hon. Gentleman will understand what it is we are looking for. Estimates are given on all these tables, but what we would like to know, if not in detail, is, as far as possible, the extent to which those estimates have been realised, because it is only in that way that we can judge the position. If he cannot give detailed figures, can we be sure that approximations will be given as far as possible?
§ Mr. JayWe are very anxious to give all the information we can on the subject, and it is only statistical difficulties which stand in our way.
§ Mr. HoggWill the hon. Gentleman say in what form the information will be made available to the House?
§ Mr. JayAs far as possible, we will make it available in the same form as it was given in the Economic Survey. [HON. MEMBERS: "A White Paper?"] We have not made up our minds about it, but it will be given to the House in the most convenient form.