HC Deb 28 March 1950 vol 473 cc184-5
52. Mr. Osborne

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer in view of the views expressed in paragraph 30 of Command Paper No. 7572, what new steps he proposes to take to ensure that the difficulties of the present economic situation are presented to the British public in an obvious form.

Sir S. Cripps

The Government will continue to take every opportunity by speeches in this House and elsewhere, by providing factual information to the Press and the B.B.C. and by official publications of various kinds, to ensure that the difficulties of our economic situation are presented to the public in an understandable form.

Mr. Osborne

Is the Chancellor informing the House that the public still do not realise the gravity of our economic situation, or has the opinion of the Government altered since the White Paper was issued?

Sir S. Cripps

A great deal of education was done during the General Election, which I am sure has helped.

Mrs. Jean Mann

Does my right hon. and learned Friend think that "The Right Road for Britain" was helpful education in acquainting the public of our economic difficulties?

Sir S. Cripps

I think it showed them something which should be avoided.

Mr. Godfrey Nicholson

If the right hon. and learned Gentleman persists in his economic policy, will not the facts speak loud enough for themselves?

Sir S. Cripps

They are so doing, hence the success with which we are meeting the situation.