HC Deb 29 June 1953 vol 517 cc6-7
9. Mr. Beswick

asked the Minister of Supply if he will direct that there shall be published a shortened popular illustrated edition of the most recent annual report of the Iron and Steel Board.

Mr. Sandys

No, Sir.

Mr. Beswick

In view of everything that has been said by the right hon. Gentleman's party about the failure of public ownership, does he not want to make absolutely certain that every man and woman knows exactly how valuable and successful the steel industry, with its £64 million surplus, was last year? Will he reconsider his answer?

Mr. Sandys

Although people will have more leisure for reading during the holiday period, I am advised that there is unlikely to be any great popular demand for an illustrated version of the report and accounts of the Iron and Steel Corporation.

Mr. Beswick

If there is no demand for this type of literature, can the right hon. Gentleman say why the Iron and Steel Federation have been turning out so much glossy stuff?

Mr. Sandys

I thought it right to consult the Chairman of the Iron and Steel Corporation about the hon. Member's suggestion. He shares my view that there is not likely to be any popular demand for the publication and is not in favour of such a publication being produced.

Mr. Willey

Will the right hon. Gentleman, as the responsible Minister, try to promote discussion about the report in the Conservative Party circles?

Mr. Sandys

A number of public bodies have produced the so-called popular illustrated versions at low prices, but their experience has not been encouraging. A number of them have had to give away copies free because of lack of demand.