§ 46. Brigadier-General CLIFTON BROWNasked the Prime Minister whether he will publish the report of the Scientific Committee appointed by the Economic Advisory Council to consider the incidence of milk-borne diseases; and whether steps will be taken to submit its findings to agricultural interests, as well as to medical authorities, before any legislative action is taken thereon?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)The Committee's report has only just been received, and it has not yet been possible to consider the question of its publication. My hon. and gallant Friend may rest assured that the interests of every section of the population will be carefully borne in mind by His Majesty's Government when they review the conclusions reached by the Committee.
§ Mr. LAMBERTAs this is a Committee paid for by the taxpayer, may not we, as taxpayers, have the benefit of its advice?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt all depends. The rule has been that these reports are confidential until they are published. Otherwise, they remain confidential.
§ Mr. LAMBERTIs the Prime Minister aware that this question of milk-borne disease is one of extreme importance as affecting the agricultural interest, and will he, if possible, publish the report?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAs soon as I have had an opportunity of reading the report myself, I shall decide whether it should be published or not; and the bias is always in favour of publication.
Lieut.-Colonel AC LAND - TROYTEHave the Council considered the question of diseases being brought in by butter from foreign countries?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI should imagine not, but I do not know. As I have said, I have not had time to read the report. I will do so as soon as I have an opportunity.
Viscountess ASTORWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that medical authorities are not always right about the origin of diseases?