HC Deb 18 March 1948 vol 448 cc2284-5
59. Mr. Cooper

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he now intends to publish the pamphlet including the diagram of the organisation of regional organisation for industry, which was promised in his letter dated 22nd July, 1947.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

A draft of the booklet, including the diagram on regional organisation, has been sent to the chairman of the regional boards for industry for their comments and for the addition of information applicable only to their own regions. When these are received publication will be proceeded with.

Mr. Cooper

Does my right hon. Friend realise that when his right hon. and learned Friend was President of the Board of Trade, he promised, in a letter dated 22nd July, 1947, that this matter would receive urgent attention at that time? Does he not consider that a delay of some eight months is an unconscionable departmental delay. Would he have it investigated and, if necessary, bring to account the people responsible for this very serious delay?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

One reason has been my right hon. and learned Friend's move from the Board of Trade to the Treasury. This has meant that changes have had to be made, and I admit that these have delayed the publication of this booklet.