HC Deb 27 October 1908 vol 195 cc73-5
MR. FELL (Great Yarmouth)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade how much is spent upon the Labour Gazette annually; and whether the particulars given therein of the condition of trade and the state of employment and unemployment in the different trades can be enlarged and improved upon at a moderate increase of outlay.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. CHURCHILL, Dundee)

The preparation of the Board of Trade Labour Gazette is so much involved in the general work of the Labour Department of the Board of Trade that it is impossible to state its cost separately. Every opportunity is taken to extend the information given as regards employment and trade, so far as trustworthy data can be obtained, and the Board of Trade would welcome any practical suggestion for enlargement and improvement that the hon. Member is in a position to make, bearing in mind the voluntary basis of the returns and their confidential character to a large extent. I do not think that a moderate increase of outlay would stand in the way of a really useful and practicable extension.

MR. FELL

Is not the amount about £2,000? Was the cost of the inquiries made in Germany by a Departmental Committee charged against the Labour Gazette?

MR. CHURCHILL

I have said I cannot state the cost.

EARL WINTERTON (Sussex, Horsham)

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of appointing a Departmental Committee to inquire as to extending the usefulness of the Gazette?

MR. CHURCHILL

I am prepared carefully to consider any suggestions that may be made to me with a view to improving the Gazette.

EARL WINTERTON

But will the right hon. Gentleman appoint a Committee from both sides of the House to consider whether the usefulness of the publication cannot be increased?

MR. CHURCHILL

I do not think that at present such a Committee would produce more information than we already have.

MR. FELL

Is not the cost about £2,000?

MR. CHURCHILL

I cannot give the actual figures, but certainly the information published in the Gazette could not be obtained for anything like the price the printing and publishing entails.