HC Deb 18 October 1944 vol 403 c2379
67. Sir A. Knox

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport the cause of the delay in the publication of the booklets on the Merchant Navy which were in preparation in February, 1943, and one of which was finished in February, 1944.

Mr. Noel-Baker

As a result of editorial and publishing difficulties, galley proofs were not received until May. It was then decided to delay publication, in order that chapters on the operations in Normandy might be added. I hope that the book on ocean-going vessels will be published in December, and that on coasters a little later.

Sir A. Knox

Is this a definite promise? I have asked this Question three times.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Yes, Sir, I know, and I hope this is quite definite. I hope this delay will have served the purpose of making the books more complete and more adequate to the great subject with which they have to deal.