45. Mr. W. Joseph Stewartasked the Prime Minister whether he can now state when the report of the Royal Commission appointed to inquire into the question of the distribution of the industrial population will be ready?
§ The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir John Simon)I have been asked to reply. I am afraid there is nothing further to add to the reply which the Prime Minister gave on 2nd May to the hon. Member for Chester-le-Street (Mr. Lawson).
Mr. StewartCan the right hon. Gentleman not give the House an approximate date when this important report may be expected, as it is of immense importance to people both inside and outside this House?
§ Sir J. SimonI fully appreciate the importance of the matter. The answer previously given was that the Royal Commission were considering their report, but that they were not able to say when it would be completed.
§ Sir P. HarrisDoes not the right hon. Gentleman realise that the problem of the location of industry is intimately connected with Civil Defence, and in the light of the work of the Lord Privy Seal will he press the Royal Commission to publish a report in some form without delay?
§ Sir J. SimonI think the Royal Commission must be the judge as to when their report is ready for publication. I quite understand the importance of the matter.