HC Deb 30 June 1949 vol 466 cc1516-7
63. Mr. Osborne

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the fact that the difficulties of the present economic position do not present themselves in an obvious form to the British public as stated in Command Paper No. 7572, paragraph 30, which was issued six months ago, what new steps he proposes to take to bring home the realisation of our serious economic situation to the public mind.

Mr. Jay

Since the issue, six months ago, of the White Paper to which the hon. Member refers, there have been a number of statements, e.g., the Economic Survey, the Budget speech of my right hon. and learned Friend, and more recent speeches by him and other members of the Government, in which the facts of the economic situation have been repeatedly brought out. I have no doubt that my right hon. and learned Friend will, before long, take an opportunity of giving further information to the House.

Mr. Osborne

Is the Minister satisfied that everything that could be done is being done by Government propaganda to bring home the seriousness of our economic situation to the ordinary man in the street and, if this is being done, why are we having so many unofficial strikes?

Mr. Jay

I think more has been done by this Government than any previous Government in that regard.

Mr. David Renton

Would the hon. Gentleman ask his colleagues to give the facts in the most naked form possible, instead of having them smeared over with the soft soap of Socialism?

Mr. Jay

My right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor said only 10 days ago that the dollar situation was deteriorating. I think the facts could not be more bluntly given than that.