HC Deb 06 April 1908 vol 187 cc940-1
MR. SMEATON (Stirlingshire)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if he can inform the House what progress has been made in collecting the material required by the Census of Production Act; whether he has any hopes of being able to present comparative statistics of similar production in selected foreign countries; and when the first census is likely to be completed.

MR. LLOYD-GEORGE

The only inquiry schedules at present issued are those relating to coal and ironstone mining. Other Schedules will be issued shortly, and it is hoped that practically the whole of the Returns to be made under the Act will be received by the autumn. It is impossible to say definitely at present how soon it may be possible to publish preliminary results of the inquiry. As regards comparisons with foreign countries, I have at present nothing to add to the reply that I gave to my hon. friend on 3rd July, last.