HC Deb 16 April 1931 vol 251 cc344-5
39. Major NATHAN

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is able to state the present position as to the report of the Macmillan Committee?

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

I am not yet in a position to announce the date when the report will be completed, but the members of the committee engaged in drafting the report have been for some time past, and still are, in almost daily consultation with regard to it, and I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that no time is being lost in its preparation.

Major NATHAN

Can the hon. Gentleman give any assurance to the House that the report will be available to hon. Members before the opening of the Budget?

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

Clearly I cannot give that assurance. The answer I have given points to the fact that the members of the committee are very hard at work preparing this report, but I am afraid it is quite outside the bounds of possibility that they should have the report ready before the opening of the Budget.

Major NATHAN

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this question on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House.