HC Deb 15 July 1930 vol 241 cc1100-1
45. Mr. BENNETT

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the report of the Committee on Banking and Credit may be expected?

47. Mr. MORLEY

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the report of the Macmillan Commission on Finance and Industry will be published?

Mr. P. SNOWDEN

I would refer the hon. Members to the replies which I gave to the hon. Member for Kidderminster (Mr. Wardlaw-Milne) on the 15th April and 3rd July, to which I am unable to add anything.

Mr. MORLEY

In view of the fact that in authoritative economic circles it is considered that the present extent of unemployment is due to financial causes, will not the right hon. Gentleman take steps to hasten the publication of this report?

Mr. SNOWDEN

No, I could not possibly do that. The subject into which this committee is inquiring is a very comprehensive one, and I think, if I were to make any such representations to them as the hon. Member suggests, it would lead to a very unsatisfactory and incomplete report.

Mr. HAYCOCK

How often does the committee meet?

Mr. SNOWDEN

I do not know how often it meets. I know it has met frequently, and there has been no suggestion at all that the members of the committee are not bending their energies to this question or that they will not report as soon as possible.

Mr. HAMMERSLEY

Is it not a fact that within the last three weeks the committee received very important evidence from the Federation of Cotton Spinners?

Mr. SNOWDEN

I know nothing about that. When I appoint a committee like this, I make it a rule not to interfere.