HC Deb 20 October 1949 vol 468 cc727-8
4. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Minister of Labour when and in what form he proposes to publish the result of his investigations into Communist activities prior to and during the recent strike at the London Docks.

Mr. Isaacs

A history of the events leading up to and during the recent dock strikes has been prepared for the information of the various Departments concerned. I am considering when and in what form it can be given wider circulation.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Did not the right hon. Gentleman on 20th July, and again on 26th July, give an undertaking that this dossier would be published, and will he say what has caused him to change his mind?

Mr. Isaacs

I cannot quite understand why the hon. Gentleman thinks I have changed my mind. I said: I am considering when and in what form it can be given wider circulation.

Mr. Piratin

Why should the right hon. Gentleman be in any doubt about publishing such statements as he thinks are facts? What is the reason for holding it up, because, if he has something strong against the Communist Party, it surely serves the likes of him to publish it?

Mr. Isaacs

I have twice read my answer which is: I am considering when and in what form it can be given wider circulation.

Mr. Eden

In view of the Debate which we had and the remarks made by the right hon. Gentleman, can he now give us any indication when he will be able to make the statement? He will remember that before we adjourned the impression we had was that it would be made very soon.

Mr. Isaacs

There has been delay. I have got the document, but it has been necessary to go rather wide to check the information in it. It is my desire that it should be given the widest possible circulation.