§ 3. Mr. GEORGE HALLasked the Minister of Labour whether any of the commissioners have completed their in vestigations into the special conditions in the distressed area, and has he received any report; and will he state whether it is intended to have a separate report from each area, or are the commissioners to meet at the conclusion of their in vestigations for the purpose of submitting a joint report?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I anticipate that separate reports will be made by the four investigators, but until the investigations are completed it will be premature to reply to the last part of the question.
§ Mr. BATEYMay I ask when the right hon. Gentleman expects the investigation to be completed; has he fixed any date?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONNo, Sir, because I want the investigators to have the fullest opportunity for making their investigations.
§ Mr. BATEYDoes not the right hon. Gentleman realise the need for having these reports finished, so that the House can consider them before the Recess?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONI appreciate the importance of having the reports completed as soon as possible, but I do not want to place a limit of time which would have the result of making these investigations less valuable.