HC Deb 02 August 1962 vol 664 cc771-2
11. Dr. Bray

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he now proposes to publish the Treasury's economic forecasts: and if he will first give them to the House.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I have no proposals for any change in the present practice but would be glad to consider any suggestions which the hon. Member may wish to make.

Dr. Bray

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on 12th July quite un-precedentedly precise economic forecasts were published? Does he not feel that if the Government are to encourage a more sophisticated attitude in industry towards forecasting and planning he should set a good example in this respect, and does he not feel that the forecasts should be announced in this House where they can be properly explained and their implications explored?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I do not think my right hon. Friends can be charged with taking insufficient opportunities to explain economic policy in this House. But I think it would be a pity to confine those explanations solely to this House and to the time when Parliament is sitting. As the hon. Gentleman will know, there are various official publications, which are very helpful, on these matters as well as constant replies to inquiries.

Mr. Ellis Smith

In order to assist my hon. Friend, would the right hon. Gentleman consider the suggestion that when statements are sent to the Press, simultaneously helpful informative statements should also be sent to Members of this House?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

That phrase "when statements are sent to the Press", I think, begs a good many questions. I would agree with what I believe is the spirit of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, that any major pronouncements particularly on policy matters ought in general to be made to this House, but it is not always physically possible.

Dr. Bray

Does not the right hon. Gentleman feel that there is a basis of forecasting in the Treasury which is made the basis of very informed policy decisions by the Government and that not only this House but the country as a whole are unable to get at the underlying forecasts? Would it not be much better in the interests of us all if those forecasts were published?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I do not know whether the hon. Gentleman has had the opportunity to study the very considerable amount of material which we do put out on this matter. There is a very full supply of information. However, as I have said, if the hon. Gentleman has any particular aspect which he would like to take up with me further, I should be very glad to consider it.