§ 52. Mr. GRATTAN DOYLEasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the promise made by Mr. Justice Sankey, printed at page 432 of the minutes of evidence of the Coal Industry Commission, that speeches by counsel will be placed at the end of the evidence so that they may appear as part of the pro- 363 ceedings; whether he is aware that this promise has not been carried into effect and that those who desire to form an impartial opinion on the proceedings are much hampered thereby; and what measures, if any, are proposed to be taken in order to supply such an important omission?
§ Sir R. HORNEI have been asked to reply to this question. I am informed that the evidence has not yet been fully issued. The third volume has yet to be published, and speeches by counsel will be included in it.
§ Mr. BRACEIs it fair or proper for the Government to use the medium of a Blue Book to publish the coal-owners' case against Nationalisation at the nation's expense?
§ Sir R. HORNEWhat we propose to do is to publish the proceedings. If, unfortunately, they contain documents adverse to my right hon. Friend, I am afraid he must suffer.
§ Mr. BRACEMy point is that the House had better rely on the evidence. I should like to raise that point.
Mr. G. DOYLEWill the right hon. Gentleman issue the report of the speeches in a separate volume? Or will the whole of the proceedings appear in one volume?
§ Mr. BALDWINThe speeches to which my hon. Friend refers occurred at the conclusion of the evidence, and they will be printed in their order in the ordinary way.
§ Mr. BILLINGAre speeches evidence?
§ Sir R. HORNEThey are part of the proceedings.
§ Lieut.-Colonel WHELERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the printing of the speeches affords one section of those deeply interested in the Committee their only opportunity of having their case put before the public?