HC Deb 20 June 1950 vol 476 cc1049-50
29. Lieut.-Commander Clark Hutchison

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the Report on Public Libraries and other cultural services in Scotland will be published.

Miss Herbison

My right hon. Friend has impressed upon the council the urgency of this Report. I understand that its preparation is well advanced and that it should be submitted to the Secretary of State in the autumn. It will be published as a Command Paper.

Lieut.-Commander Hutchison

Is the hon. Lady aware that as long ago as 22nd November the Secretary of State said that the Report was then being drafted? Is not the delay quite abnormal?

Miss Herbison

The Report is not ready for drafting even at the present time. The Committee are still dealing with this matter. We have urged upon them the necessity for getting the Report out quickly and we are almost certain that it will be out in the autumn.

Lieut.-Commander Hutchison

Arising out of that reply, may I call the hon. Lady's attention to column 184 of HANSARD of 22nd November last, when the Secretary of State said that the Report was then being drafted?

Miss Herbison

All I can say is that the information I have given to the hon. and gallant Member today is the correct information.