HC Deb 16 November 1944 vol 404 cc2094-5
15. Sir John Mellor

asked the Minister of Labour whether information with regard to proceedings of the Catering Wages Commission, which is denied to the Press and to private persons, is available to officers of his Department.

Mr. Bevin

Yes, Sir. Information is constantly being interchanged between the Commission and my Department and this no doubt includes much that is not communicated to the Press or the public. Business could not be satisfactorily conducted on any other basis.

Sir J. Mellor

But should the right hon. Gentleman's Department accept any privileges in this respect?

Mr. Bevin

They do not get any privileges in this respect, but the Commission having taken over the duties that the Ministry used to exercise under the Trade Board Act, the information of my Department must be made available to the Commission.

Mr. George Griffiths

Do directors of insurance companies get any privileges?

Sir J. Mellor

Could not this information be made available to all interested parties?

Mr. Bevin

I must have notice of that question.