HC Deb 05 August 1942 vol 382 cc1016-7
26. Mr. Bossom

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Planning whether Mr. Jellicoe has yet delivered an account of his findings in the United States of America; and what action does his Ministry contemplate taking as a result of this American visit?

Mr. Hicks

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the negative, but it is expected that Mr. Jellicoe will shortly place before the Central Council for Works and Buildings a report giving the information he has obtained in the United States of America. This report will be considered by the Education Committee of the Council in relation to their inquiry into conditions of education and training for the building industry and until that Committee has completed its inquiry and made its report the Ministry do not contemplate taking any action as a result of Mr. Jellicoe's American visit.

Mr. Bossom

Could the hon. Gentleman give the House an opportunity of seeing a precis of this report before any action is taken?

Mr. Hicks

I have not seen it myself.

Mr. Bossom

Could there be one produced, so that we could see it?

Mr. Hicks

It is obvious that if a person is appointed by a committee and sent under the auspices of the Ministry to make inquiries, his first duty is to report to those who sent him. Until they have a chance to look at it and express their opinion, it is impossible to guarantee that it shall be given to someone else in advance.

Major Lyons

Do not the whole of these circumstances show that sending one gentleman on this errand was a waste of time?

Mr. Hicks

We do not think anything of the kind.