HC Deb 23 February 1943 vol 387 cc13-4
25. Mr. Graham White

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the pamphlets dealing with the Report of the Beveridge Committee, prepared by the Army Bureau of Current Affairs, will now be circulated in accordance with the original plan?

Sir J. Grigg

I am at present considering the possibility of producing a more comprehensive brief than the earlier version in a form suitable to serve as the basis for A.B.C.A. discussions.

Mr. White

In view of what the Minister has just said, would he now care to say anything to illuminate a little further the statement he previously made to the effect that this pamphlet would be withheld until Parliamentary discussion had taken place?

Sir J. Grigg

I think I have said enough to illuminate the question abundantly.

Mr. Shinwell

Will the right hon. Gentleman, if he does circulate anything on this subject, include a list of Members of the House who voted against the Labour Party Amendment last week?

Mr. Cocks

In view of the fact that the Report has been killed by the Government, will the Minister circulate a memorial card with the sympathy of Lord Croft and the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

Sir H. Williams

Will the Minister also consider circularising my speech on the subject?

Mr. Thorne

Is the Minister aware that circulating this information will cause more trouble than it has already caused in this House?

Sir J. Grigg

That is certainly a consideration. The Supplementary Questions which have been asked show what an extremely fine knife edge I shall have to balance on.