HC Deb 13 November 1945 vol 415 cc1898-9
27. Colonel Clarke

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will now restore the prewar practice of issuing out put figures and other key statistics at weekly intervals instead of monthly intervals, in view of the fact that such announcements were made weekly in the "Board of Trade Journal" before the war.

Mr. Shinwell

The weekly figures issued before the war were in the nature of commercial intelligence which is not required in existing circumstances. In view of the inevitable fluctuations in short periods, I consider that the publication of these figures at weekly intervals would be misleading.

Colonel Clarke

Is it not a fact that these figures are available in the Ministry and that they could be disseminated with very little trouble? In view of the great desire in the country for this information, ought it not to be given?

Mr. Shinwell

For the reason that I have given, it is undesirable. The figures are misleading if given from week to week. [HON. MEMBERS: "Why?"] For the reason I have given, it is undesirable, and when hon. Members see the monthly figures which are now being presented, they will see that an accurate picture is given of all the facts relating to the work of the Department.

Major P. Roberts

Does the Minister wish to make comparisons with prewar years as difficult as possible?

Mr. Shinwell

Not at all. There is no reason why we should make these comparisons unless they are related to output and are of some value.