HL Deb 12 February 1947 vol 145 c560

2.35 p.m.

LORD TWEEDSMUIR

My Lords, in the absence of my noble friend, Lord Polwarth, I rise to ask the question standing in his name.

[The question was as follows:

To ask whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to publish the report of the investigation which was carried out last month in regard to the suitability of East Kilbride as a site for a new town.]

LORD MORRISON

My Lords, it has long been established that reports by officers holding public local inquiries are confidential documents for the information of Ministers to whom they are submitted. My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Scotland does not, therefore, propose to publish the report.

LORD TWEEDSMUIR

I am obliged to the noble Lord for his answer, but I would ask if the Government are prepared to reconsider that decision in view of the fact that during the investigation certain very important principles were examined having great bearing on the policy towards new towns.

LORD MORRISON

I can only say that I will bring the noble Lord's question to the attention of the Secretary of State for Scotland.