HC Deb 17 February 1953 vol 511 cc1046-7
13. Mr. McInnes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland to reconsider his decision not to publish the second Report of the Scottish Building Costs Committee. in view of the fact that a draft report has been prepared and that the comparable committee for England and Wales has already issued three reports.

Commander Galbraith

For the reasons given to the hon. Gentleman on 19th December last, the Committee did not submit a report, and my right hon. Friend does not propose to ask them to continue their investigation.

Mr. McInnes

I am sure that the right hon. and gallant Gentleman is aware that the Committee has prepared a report, because I have it in my hand just now. The reason why it is not being published is that the Government desire to effect an economy of £400. This is the third Government Commission report that the Scottish Office has refused to publish, and I should like to know what is the mysterious policy behind all this that denies the people of Scotland the right to this invaluable information.

Commander Galbraith

I really do not see much point in publishing material such as the Committee has handed over which in some respects requires revision and in others is already out of date.