HC Deb 23 June 1925 vol 185 cc1282-3
28. Mr. STEPHEN

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he will arrange for the publication of the evidence submitted to the Rent Commission which recently sat in Scotland; and whether he intends to introduce legislation at an early date on the lines of the Report of the Committee?

Sir J. GILMOUR

On account of the expense involved I am not prepared to arrange for the printing of the evidence given before the Committee referred to, which amounts to some 500,000 words. I am, however, prepared to place a typewritten copy of the evidence in the Library which, I trust, will serve the purposes of hon. Members interested. The question of introducing legislation is at present under the consideration of the Government.

Mr. STEPHEN

In view of the mass of evidence submitted, and in order that Members of this House may have the evidence before them, will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the matter? Surely Scotland is entitled to have some money spent upon it.

Sir J. GILMOUR

I am very anxious to meet any reasonable request of hon. Members of this House; but I would point out that the cost of printing this would be far beyond any benefit that, so for as I can see, would be derived. I will place a copy in the Library, and it will be available for hon. Members.

Mr. MAXTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in addition to the interest of Members of this House, there is a very wide public interest in the matter, and that it has been anticipated all along that the Report would be fully published and be available for public information? Will he consider that there might be a possible revenue to meet the cost?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I have examined the question of cost. To print 250 copies would cost over £500, and the selling price would be over £3 per copy. I do not believe that the demand for it would in any way recoup us for the cost of printing.

Mr. MACLEAN

Considering the many statements which have appeared in the Press affecting the good faith of the tenants of Clydebank, should not the public have the right to know what are the actual facts, as revealed by this rent inquiry?

Mr. STEPHEN

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any indication when he will be able to tell us what steps the Government are going to take in connection with legislation on this subject?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I hope very shortly to be able to make an announcement.