§ 46. Mr. James Griffithsasked the Prime Minister whether he can give any indication when the Royal Commission on Geographical Distribution of Industry is likely to conclude its task and present its report?
§ The Prime MinisterI understand that the Royal Commission have made good progress with the taking of evidence, but that there are a number of witnesses still to be heard. When the evidence is completed a considerable time will be required for the preparation of the report and it is not yet possible to say when the report will be presented.
§ Mr. GriffithsDoes the right hon. Gentleman think the task of the Commission will be completed this year, and will he undertake to secure that no time is lost in expediting the publication of what is expected to be a very valuable report?
§ The Prime MinisterI think the Commission are pursuing their task assiduously, and I have good hopes that they will be able to produce their report without undue delay.
§ Mr. LawsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is nearly a year since this Commission was appointed, and in view of the urgency of the matters with which they are dealing, could he not ask for the work to be expedited?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think it is necessary for me to ask them to do anything more than they are doing. I have known Commissions to take six years.