HC Deb 31 January 1952 vol 495 cc357-8
38. Mr. Gerald Williams

asked the Minister of Health if, in future, he will speed up the publication of his annual report so as to include more up to date facts and figures for those interested.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

My right hon. Friend has decided to change the basis of this report from the financial year to the calendar year. The next report will cover the 21 months period from 1st April, 1950, to 31st December, 1951, and it is hoped to publish it by the autumn of 1952. My right hon. Friend is anxious to improve progressively the date of publication, but the availability of statistics is the governing factor.

Mr. Williams

May I thank my hon. Friend very much for that very satisfactory answer, as in the past it has taken nearly 20 months to get out the results and figures? If we are to have them got out in a few months it will be a great improvement.