§ 57. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Minister of Labour whether the evidence given before the committee of inquiry into port labour (the Maclean Committee) has been published; and 1434 whether it will be made available to Members?
§ Miss BONDFIELDNo, Sir. In view of the considerable volume of this evidence, some of which is of local interest, I do not think that general publication can be justified. If desired, I shall be glad to arrange for a set of the stencilled documents to be placed in the Library.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs nay right hon. Friend aware that this evidence very much affects the proposed legislation with regard to the interim report of the Unemployment Insurance Commission, and is she aware that it would be most unfair to the dock labourers generally if this evidence were not published?
§ Miss BONDFIELDAll the evidence placed before the dock labour inquiry will be considered by the Commission.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYCannot we have this evidence before us? Did not my right hon. Friend state that it would not be published? Where do we stand?
§ Miss BONDFIELDWhat I said was that the report of the dock labour inquiry will be given to the Royal Commission on Unemployment Insurance direct.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYYes, but in the meantime are we not being asked to legislate? This affects my constituency very intimately, and I would ask your indulgence, Mr. Speaker.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. and gallant Member is making a statement.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYI beg to give notice that I shall raise this question on the Motion for the Adjournment to-night.