HC Deb 02 December 1948 vol 458 cc2169-70
49. Mr. Piratin

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to publish a full statement of the four-year programme submitted to O.E.E.C.

The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Douglas Jay)

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on a similar subject on 30th November to the hon. Member for Monmouth (Mr. P. Thorneycroft).

Mr. Piratin

Is not the Minister aware that this report has already been published both in America and France, and that the papers in this country through their financial columns, have already covered it almost adequately, and will he explain to the House why it is that everybody except hon. Members of this House can know what is in the document? Why cannot he publish it, and let us discuss the matter or air our views about it before the whole world knows about it?

Mr. Jay

This document is not a United Kingdom document, but an O.E.E.C. document, and, as long as we are members of these European organisations, we mean to keep to the rules.

Mr. R. A. Butler

In view of the observations of the hon. Gentleman opposite, and the reasons given, could not the hon. Gentleman take steps to consult the other countries concerned with a view to immediate publication, because it is most unsatisfactory that, in a great plan like this, we should get it only by means of a leak?

Mr. Jay

As has already been stated, we are doing so, and we hope to publish this document in the middle of December.