HC Deb 16 March 1948 vol 448 cc1854-5
7. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Labour if he will again publish the reprints from the Ministry of Labour Gazette for December, 1940, and February, 1941, sand include the latest similar figures.

Mr. Isaacs

The reprints for December, 1940, and January, 1941, are still available and on sale at His Majesty's Stationery Office. The reprint from the February, 1941, Gazette is out of print, and the demand is so small that the printing of a further supply is not justified. There are no similar figures for any later date.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Is my right hon. Friend aware that these reprints gave great satisfaction in the organised trade union movement, and that they enabled trade unionists to measure their position? Has not the time arrived when similar figures should be given in order that they may examine the position now in relation to what it was when those reprints were made?

Mr. Isaacs

As I indicated, two are still available, but for the other one apparently there is not sufficient demand to justify reprinting. In any case it would hardly be proper to compare that with the present, in view of the various changes that have taken place.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Will my right hon. Friend consider the need for the latest similar figures to be published so that trade unionists can compare their position with what it was in the days when these figures were first printed?

Mr. Isaacs

Yes, Sir.