HC Deb 18 June 1958 vol 589 cc1069-70
27. Mr. Grant-Ferris

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he has considered the report of the Bowes Committee; and when he proposes to publish it.

Mr. Watkinson

I am considering the findings of the Report which was presented to me last Thursday. It has now gone to the printers and should be ready for publication before the end of July.

Mr. Grant-Ferris

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that Answer, may I ask, as I asked him before, whether it is intended to publish the evidence, which, considering that the Committee sat for 2½ years, will be voluminous but which will be most helpful? Also, will he convey the thanks of the House to these gentlemen, who are not personally interested in this matter, for the long work they have had to do on it, although he cannot express an opinion about what they have done?

Mr. Watkinson

I agree that it has been an immense task, but I could not undertake to publish the evidence. It is of such a voluminous nature that it would not be possible. The Report goes into great detail and it will be welcomed by the House.

Mr. Strauss

Can the Minister confirm what the Joint Parliamentary Secretary said some time ago, namely, that the Government's decisions and policy on the matters dealt with in the Report will be published at the same time as the Report itself?

Mr. Watkinson

I do not think my Parliamentary Secretary gave such an undertaking. I think that it would be much wiser to publish the Report and take the sense of the House and other interested parties upon it.

Mr. Strauss

Will the Minister be good enough to look at the statement which was made? If it has been altered, I think it is a pity. Cannot the Minister give an undertaking that the Government's policy will not be long delayed and will be published as soon as possible after the Report, because it is a long time since this matter was first raised?

Mr. Watkinson

I will certainly give that undertaking. However, it would be wiser to publish the Report and let the House see it before the Government pronounce upon it.