§ 45. Mr. A. Edwardsasked the Prime Minister whether the Royal Commission on the Location of Industry intends to make an early report; and, if not, will he state the cause of delay?
§ The Prime MinisterI understand that the report is now being signed, but, for the reason which I gave the hon. Member on 27th September, I cannot fix any date for its printing or publication. I do 1388 not think that the time taken by the Commission in its preparation is unreasonable, having regard to the range and difficulty of the subject.
§ Mr. EdwardsCan the Prime Minister give any indication whether it is intended to have the report published at an early date, or does he intend not to publish it during the war?
§ The Prime MinisterI have already explained that in present circumstances the pressure of urgent work more directly connected with the war precludes the printing and publication.
§ Mr. EdwardsAre we to understand that it is not to be published until the war is ended?
§ The Prime MinisterI did not say that, but we cannot publish it while there is the pressure of other work more connected with the war.
§ Mr. IsaacsIs not the Prime Minister aware that there are thousands of printers out of work who would be glad of a job now?
§ Mr. WoodburnDoes not the right hon. Gentleman agree, in view of the fact that the peace we hope for will come at an early date, that this question of the location of industry is of fundamental importance to places like Scotland which is concentrating on heavy industry and will be faced with tremendous unemployment immediately peace comes?
§ Colonel Baldwin-WebbShould not the war effort be taken into account before any such report is printed and published?