HC Deb 17 December 1925 vol 189 cc1613-4
47. Mr. LANSBURY

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to publish the evidence of Lord Meston's Committee; and, if not, whether he will arrange for the evidence to be placed in the House of Commons Library, so as to be available for Members?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Churchill)

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on the 15th December to the hon. Member for the Mile End Division of Stepney.

Mr. SNOWDEN

May I ask the Prime Minister if something cannot be done to put an end to what is becoming a positive scandal, seeing that it is 18 months since the promise was given that the Report of this Committee should be presented at a very early date?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I passed through a period of great discouragement with regard to the reception of this Report, but I am glad to say that period is at an end, and the Report is practically completed. Whether it will be published or not I cannot say.

Mr. RAMSAY MacDONALD

Is it the Report of Lord Meston, or the Report of his Committee?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Lord Meston has borne the burden of drawing up the Report.

Mr. MacDONALD

Did he consult the Committee before handing it to the Treasury?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I am afraid I am not in a position to advocate any pro- cedure on his Lordship's part which would be likely to create further delay, and therefore I am not in a position to answer that question.