§ Q5. Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Prime Minister if he will give instructions to all Government Departments to increase the output of information, statistical and otherwise, for the benefit of Members of Parliament and of the general public.
§ Mr. George BrownI have been asked to reply.
Departments are already aware of the need to publish as much information as possible. They are examining existing statistics to identify any important gaps in the data available and considering means by which they might be filled.
§ Mr. HamiltonDoes my right hon. Friend agree that this might well involve a major reorganisation of the Government's statistical machinery and, if so, will he give an undertaking that such a reorganisation will be carried out expeditiously?
Mr. Gresham CookeWould not the right hon. Gentleman agree that too much information is given to the public? Is he aware that on one Sunday I read in four Sunday newspapers about the reduction of the Rhine Army, that the next day that was contradicted and that a few days later that story was also contradicted? Is not the British public getting bewildered by this welter of information?