HC Deb 29 January 1931 vol 247 cc1143-5
47. Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

asked the Prime Minister whether he will request the Economic Council to furnish him, for publication and for the information of the nation, with a report upon the trade depression and unemployment in this country, now and during the last eight years, indicating the causes of the depression, with the degree of comparative importance to be attached to each, and the nature of the steps which, in the opinion of the committee, would be most effective for the immediate alleviation of the present situation and for the ultimate restoration of the trade and industry and employment in the country to a condition as favourable as in the years immediately preceding the War?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)

I note the suggestion of the right hon. Gentleman. The value of the work of this Council on matters bearing upon policy in particular is its confidential character and the diversity in points of view presented. Such a report compiled by the Economic Advisory Council would not be in accord with its essential work, and I should not be willing to ask the Council to prepare for publication a report on such questions.

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

Are there not certain facts with regard to the problem of unemployment on which the opinion of such a distinguished body would be of value to the House and to the country?

The PRIME MINISTER

That might be so, but, if these facts are to be compiled with any opinion expressed with regard to them, some other committee ought to do it; otherwise, it destroys and changes the point of view and mental attitude of the Advisory Council.

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider, then, appointing another committee of the same distinction for precisely that purpose, in order that we may have a really authoritative opinion on these points, which are of great interest and importance to everybody, but which are such a matter of discussion at the present.

The PRIME MINISTER

I am willing to consider any suggestion which the right hon. Gentleman makes; I think that we shall have to consider it.

Mr. WISE

Will the Prime Minister consider publishing in a collective form all the facts, without the opinions of the individuals concerned, as to the present depression in this and other countries, together with the reports in the various Government Departments and those published by various institutions at Geneva?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am perfectly willing to consider that.

Mr. SCRYMGEOUR

Are there any factors bearing upon the industrial de- pression, which the right hon. Gentleman has already pointedly described in the Labour Press, about which there should be given the fullest information to the public?

The PRIME MINISTER

Yes, if we had figures from America they would illustrate very pointedly the point which my hon. Friend has in mind.