HC Deb 09 May 1938 vol 335 cc1228-9
32. Sir A. Wilson

asked the Minister of Health whether the decision not to print or publish the minutes of evidence of the Departmental Committee on Rent Restriction was taken by the chairman of the committee or on instructions from the Treasury, and on what grounds?

The Minister of Health (Sir Kingsley Wood)

The evidence in question was placed in the Library. The chairman of the committee did not make any request, nor was there any demand for publication and, as in the case of the two previous committees, the evidence was not published.

Miss Rathbone

Is not the growing practice of omitting to print the evidence given before committees a part of the general policy of the Government in the approach to a system of Fascism, of which the hon. Member for Hitchin (Sir A. Wilson) so much approves?

Sir K. Wood

I do not think so. It is for them to make up their own mind on the matter.

33. Sir A. Wilson

asked the Minister of Health whether the decision not to print the minutes of evidence of the Departmental Committee on Nursing was taken by the chairman of the committee or on instructions from the Treasury. and on what grounds?

Sir K. Wood

No decision has yet been taken as to the publication of the evidence given before this committee.

Sir A. Wilson

Would my right hon. Friend ask the members of the committee to consider publishing the evidence at convenient intervals as it is given, because objections are entertained to representative persons giving evidence which is not available to those whom they represent?

Sir K. Wood

I hesitate to interfere with the discretion of the chairman of the committee in this matter.

Sir J. Nall

Does the Minister appreciate the fact that many witnesses purporting to give evidence as representatives of various organisations, give evidence which would not be tolerated by the members of those organisations?