§ 11. Major BEAUMONT THOMASasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the request from the iron and steel industry that the report of the Civil Research Committee should be published; and whether he will reconsider his previous decision and accede to this request?—
§ 19. Mr. REMERasked the President of the Board of Trade if he can now state the policy of the Government with reference to the steel industry; if he will now publish the report of the committee set up; and whether the policy of the Government will involve either legislation or financial assistance?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMAs regards the report on the iron and steel industry, the request to which I understand the hon. and gallant Member for King's Norton (Major Thomas) to refer was carefully considered, but the Government felt, and still feel, that they must adhere to their decision regarding publication. As regards the policy of the Government, this can best be dealt with on the occasion of the Board of Trade Vote.
§ Major THOMASDoes not the right hon. Gentleman consider that the information contained in this report is of more value to the general public than the political statements that have been made by his colleagues during the last few days?
§ Mr. GRAHAMIt is not a question of comparing the information in the report with statements made on the platform and elsewhere. The whole background of the report has to be considered. I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that this is a decision which is entirely in the interests of the industry and the nation.
§ Mr. REMERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware, with regard, to Question 19, that there is considerable disquiet in the steel trade at the non-publication of the report, and will he take steps, particularly in view of the Prime Minister's speech last week, to see that something is done in order to relieve the anxiety in the trade?
§ Mr. GRAHAMI am afraid that that statement is not accurate. There is a certain difference of opinion in the industry, but in any event we are in constant consultation with the industry.
§ Brigadier-General Sir HENRY CROFTIs it not an extremely difficult position when speeches are made making inferences from the report, as was done last week, and the report has not been put before the House and the country?
§ Mr. GRAHAMThe reference last week was based on facts that are well known to both sides of the industry. There was only a very general reference to the fact that this inquiry had taken place, and nothing more than that.
§ Major COLVILLEDoes the right hon. Gentleman assure us that the Government take full responsibility for withholding this report from the public?
§ Mr. GRAHAMI have already indicated our decision, and to that we adhere. For that decision we, as a Government, are responsible.
§ Mr. R. A. TAYLORWould it not be a breach of the conditions on which the evidence was tendered if the report were published?
§ Mr. GRAHAMThat is precisely one of the points to consider. A large amount of the evidence was tendered on the strict understanding that it would be regarded as confidential. That is a point which we have to bear in mind.
§ Captain PETER MACDONALDIs that one of the reasons why extracts from the report were published in Germany?