HC Deb 12 February 1920 vol 125 cc230-1
72. Mr. HURD

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food when the report of Mr. Sidney Webb's Sub-Committee on Tobacco Prices will be published; and whether there is any objection, and, if so, what, to the simultaneous publication of the evidence presented to the Sub-Committee so that the whole of the facts may be before the tobacco-using community?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Auckland Geddes)

I have been asked to reply. Before presenting the findings of the Sub-Committee appointed by the Central Committee to obtain information as to the existence of a Trade Combination in the Tobacco Industry, it has been found necessary to make certain supplementary enquiries. As soon as these enquiries are complete, the findings and decisions of the Subcommittee will be published. As my hon. Friend is aware, certain information and documents given to the Board of Trade, or a Committee appointed under the Profiteering Act, must be treated as confidential and, therefore, it is not permissible to publish the evidence.

Mr. HURD

In cases where the witnesses themselves desire the evidence to be published, so that the public may be thoroughly informed, will the authorities still withhold that evidence?

Sir A. GEDDES

Not if it is worth publishing. I am aware that some of the witnesses wanted their evidence published, but we thought it was not worth publishing.

Major BARNES

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is his intention to seek any powers to enable him to publish full reports?

Sir A. GEDDES

If the hon. Member will refer to the debate on the Amending Bill to the Profiteering Act he will see a pledge was given to that effect.