HC Deb 07 November 1945 vol 415 cc1277-8
48. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the cessation of hostilities and the fact that there is no longer the need to prevent information reaching the enemy, he will give an assurance that the practice whereby information required for trade development is withheld from the public shall be discontinued.

Mr. H. Morrison

Yes, Sir. It is the general policy of His Majesty's Government to resume publication as soon as circumstances permit of the statistics which were issued by the various Government Departments before the war. Some of these statistics have already been published.

Mr. De la Bère

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware there is an ever increasing tendency on the part of Government Departments to practise a secrecy which impedes our redevelopment, and which is also the negation of liberty? People in this country want freedom.

Mr. Morrison

The hon. Gentleman's observations are, in my view, quite contrary to the. facts.

Mr. De la Bère

But did not the bud of liberty open with the English spring?

Forward to