§ Mr. CHIOZZA MONEYasked the President of the Board of Trade if he was aware that, although the details obtained under the Census of Production Act related to the year 1907, reports have not yet been issued in respect of a number of important industries; and if he could give any explanation of the delay in the production of these reports?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Buxton)Though the Census of Production relates to the year 1907 the schedules were not returnable until the following year, and in a large number of cases several reminders were necessary. Between 1909 and the present time six Parliamentary Papers have been published giving preliminary particulars for trades employing the great bulk of the industrial population, and another will be in the hands of hon. Members to-day, leaving comparatively few industries still to be dealt with. The work of compiling these statistics and of correcting inaccurate returns is very laborious and cannot properly be hurried. There has, however, been no avoidable delay, and I take this opportunity of expressing my appreciation of the ability and zeal with which this vast and novel inquiry has been carried out by the staff and of the valuable cooperation and assistance which have been forthcoming from those engaged in the various industries.
§ Mr. CHIOZZA MONEYasked if, in view of the importance and non-controversial character of the subject, he will introduce into Parliament this year a Bill to establish a permanent census office charged with the conduct of a periodical census of production at intervals not greater than two years, beginning with the year 1911?
§ Mr. BUXTONThe Board of Trade has already power to fix the intervals at which the census of production shall be taken, and consequently a special Act is not necessary for the purpose. I do not, however, think that it will be for the convenience of manufacturers that the census should be taken at such short intervals as are suggested in the question.
§ Mr. CHIOZZA MONEYIs it in contemplation to take another census?
§ Mr. BUXTONNot at present. It gives a very great deal of trouble to the manufacturers and others, and I think my hon. Friend will see it ought not to be attempted without full consideration.