§ 45. Mr. Kirbyasked the Prime Minister whether, in order to allay public anxiety and doubt, he will issue a White Paper stating in detail the attitude of the Government towards the proposals contained in the Beveridge Report and the progress so far made towards implementing the Government policy in regard thereto?
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Churchill)I do not think there is any public anxiety on this subject. I have nothing to add at the present time to the statements which have been made on behalf of His Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. KirbyWill the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to reconsider this matter? I cannot state why. I can only put it in the form of a Question.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. I have already made a statement on this subject, with other Members of the Government, and we have made our position perfectly clear. There is no intention of reconsidering our position.
§ Mr. KirbyIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Members of this House of all parties are being invited by their constituents and by outside organisations to explain our attitude towards the Beveridge Report and what is going to happen to it, and asking why the attitude of the Government has not been placed more clearly before the country, and will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider that attitude if only in order to help Members of Parliament?
§ The Prime MinisterI should be very glad to assist my hon. Friend in making some selections from the Ministerial declarations on this subject which he can use in reply to the people who approach him.
§ Mr. ShinwellHas the right hon. Gentleman detected in recent statements and speeches by Members of the Government any lack of enthusiasm for the Beveridge Report?
§ The Prime MinisterI think it would be very disastrous if so far reaching a scheme were to be carried through in an atmosphere which appears to show intolerence to the careful examination of details.