§ 26. Mr. R. ACLANDasked the Minister of Agriculture whether it is intended to publish the report of the Royal Commission on the question of tithes, with a statement of His Majesty's Government's policy on the subject, before Christmas; and, if not, whether the report of the Commission may be published at once?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI regret I cannot give an undertaking to the effect indicated in the first part of the hon. Member's question. I can, however, assure him that the Government's consideration of the Commission's proposals will be pressed forward with all expedition and that there will be no avoidable delay in the publication of the report and in making the statement on Government policy in regard thereto. Full opportunity will, of course, be given thereafter for consideration of the issues involved before the introduction of any legislation on the subject. The reply to the last part of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. ACLANDIs there any reason why the same procedure should not be adopted as in the case of the eggs report, which was published at once, the proposals of the Government being made known at some convenient date thereafter?
§ Mr. ELLIOTIt is hoped that we might deal with this subject rather earlier than in the case of the eggs report.
§ Mr. LEWISCan the Minister assure the House that, if he does ultimately publish the report, he will do so in full, not withholding any part of it?
§ Mr. ELLIOTOh, certainly. The report will be published completely, and in full.