§ 48. Mr. ATTLEEasked the Prime Minister whether the Government have received any interim reports from the Committee on Trade and Industry, and whether, if any have been received, they will be published; and whether he can state when the final report of this Committee is expected?
Mr. SAMUELI have been asked to reply. The Committee on Industry and Trade issued last July a comprehensive "Survey of Overseas Markets," and a short memorandum on transport development and cotton growing in East Africa, which were published. They are now preparing a volume on wages, hours and working conditions, which will be published early next year. It is hoped that the Report of the Committee will be available later in the year.
§ Sir FREDRIC WISEMay I ask the hon. Gentleman whether this report will be for the year 1924 or the year 1925?
Mr. SAMUELI think there has been some confusion of thought. The documents which have been issued are not reports of the Committee, but contain information collected by the Committee. The report, which it is hoped will be available later in the year, will contain the Committee's recommendations and conclusions.
§ Mr. A. V. ALEXANDERHave the Board of Trade really studied this interim report of the Balfour Committee? It does not seem so, from the tariff policy of the Government.