HC Deb 01 December 1960 vol 631 cc579-80
20. Mr. P. Williams

asked the Minister of Education, as representing the Minister for Science, whether he will continue to treat as confidential the Report of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research on the shipbuilding industry.

Sir David Eccles

As a result of discussions between the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Ministry of Transport and the Shipbuilding Conference, it has been agreed to publish the Report as soon as possible.

Mr. Williams

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the first reports of this D.S.I.R. Report appear to have been leaked from a source which I cannot name because I do not know it, and were very adverse to the reputation of the British shipbuilding industry, and that that is a practice which can only redound to the disadvantage of the British shipbuilding industry and, therefore, to our economy in general? Will he give the House an assurance that things of this nature will not happen again?

Sir D. Eccles

I cannot give that assurance—[HON. MEMBERS: "Why not?"]—because I have no idea from What source the leak came—but I can assure my hon. Friend that publication of the Report will set those doubts at rest.

Mr. Willey

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that publication of the Report will be very welcome? Can he tell us whether the Report was prepared in consultation with the Advisory Committee of his right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport which is at present examining the shipbuilding industry?

Sir D. Eccles

The Report has been the subject of discussions with the industry and only this morning the industry and the Department agreed upon publication.

Mr. Williams

Is my right hon. Friend aware that when the Report was originally leaked it was at a stage when there had been no consultation with the industry? On what grounds can the D.S.I.R. possibly compile a report without consulting the industry?

Sir D. Eccles

The D.S.I.R. is perfectly entitled to compile a report in the preparation of which, in fact, it has taken a great deal of evidence from the industry.

Mr. Williams

No.