§ 52. Mr. LUMLEYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will request Lord Colwyn's Committee to issue from time to time the proofs of evidence and cross-examinations of witnesses, without the findings of the Committee, so that the House may be able to study the materials upon which the findings will ultimately be based?
§ Mr. SNOWDENNo, Sir. I see no reason to interfere with the usual practice which has generally been found convenient by Committees.
§ Mr. LUMLEYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the whole of this is a vast volume and that it would be for the convenience of Members of this House, as well as of the public, if the evidence were issued in instalments, so that it could be studied at leisure?
§ Mr. SNOWDENThat is entirely a matter for the Chairman or the Committee themselves to decide. I cannot decide it.
§ Mr. A. M. SAMUELWhat difficulty is there? There should be no difficulty whatever in issuing the interim Report, or rather the cross-examination and the evidence already in print.
§ Mr. SNOWDENIt is not for me to say what the difficulties are. This is a matter entirely within the province of the Committee themselves. I cannot decide the matter.
§ Mr. SAMUELWill the right hon. Gentleman obtain the opinion of certain hon. Members on this side?
§ Mr. PRINGLEIs it not the case that this is a Departmental Committee, which in the main takes its instructions from the right hon. Gentleman, who has appointed it?
§ Mr. SNOWDENIt is quite true that it is a Departmental Committee, but in that respect I am giving to this Committee the ordinary freedom or liberty that is given to such Committees.