HC Deb 26 November 1925 vol 188 cc1588-9
47. Mr. HURD

asked the Prime Minister what is the cause of the delay in the issue of the Report of the Meston Committee on Percentage Grants; and when it will be made available?

97. Sir JOHN MARRIOTT

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, as anticipated in earlier replies, the Report of the Meston Committee on Treasury Grants has been received?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Ronald McNeill)

With the permission of the hon. Members, I will answer these questions together. I understand that the Chairman has now completed his draft Report, but that it has not yet been considered by the Committee.

Mr. HURD

Seeing the bearing of this report on the Government, may we expect it before the close of the present Session?

Mr. McNEILL

I am afraid that I cannot give any promise to that effect. We are doing everything that we can do to expedite it.

Sir J. MARRIOTT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the last meeting of this Committee was held 18 months ago, if not more than two years ago, that we have been repeatedly promised in this House by the Chancellor of the Exchequer that the Report would be produced, and that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer practically promised it for August of this year?

Mr. McNEILL

I am quite aware of the very great delay that has taken place, and I can assure my hon. Friend that everything the Treasury could do to expedite the Report has been done.

Sir F. WISE

Who are the members of this Committee?

Mr. McNEILL

I could not answer that question offhand. Perhaps my hon. Friend will put it on the Paper?

Mr. HURD

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer my question?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

Can my right hon. Friend tell the House the reasons for the delay in the continuation of the sittings of the Committee as it is over 12 months since the last election?

Mr. CECIL WILSON

May we expect this Report before the end of the present Parliament?

Mr. HURD

May I have a reply to my question? What is the cause of the delay?

Mr. McNEILL

I really cannot give an answer to that question because there are several contributory causes. I can only say that the main cause of the delay has been the great difficulty which the Chairman has found in giving attention to it from time to time.