HC Deb 25 July 1944 vol 402 c584
45. Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the Prime Minister if he will issue a tabulated statement showing the number of casualties, fatal and non-fatal, for each of the years 1939 to 1943, respectively, on the roads of this country, in factories, mines and quarries, on merchant ships, civilians killed and injured by enemy action and those covering British men and women serving in His Majesty's Forces.

The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

No, Sir. I do not consider that the time and labour involved in obtaining these details would be justified at the present moment.

Mr. Davies

Would it not be well if the people of this country were brought face to face with the fatalities and casualties that occur? Further, would my right hon. Friend be good enough to acquaint the Commission on Population with these casualties?

Mr. Attlee

I am sure that they will be informed.

Sir H. Williams

Having regard to the fact that all this information is normally collected by Government Departments, what is the objection to putting it into one table?

Mr. Attlee

I understand that it would involve extra work for a staff which is already hard pressed.