HL Deb 25 March 1947 vol 146 cc686-7

2.45 p.m.

LORD BARNBY

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The question was as follows:

To ask His Majesty's Government if they are prepared to publish as soon as possible after March 31 figures supplied to them of total wool bale disposals by the Joint Organization up to that date from the stocks taken over by them officially on July 1, 1946.]

LORD CHORLEY

My Lords, it is the intention of the Joint Organization to publish from time to time information similar to that issued to the Press in August last. Any necessary revision of published figures for earlier periods will be made at the same time.

LORD BARNBY

Do I understand from that reply that the Government are in possession of the information and it is to be withheld?

LORD CHORLEY

I cannot follow the point of the noble Lord.

LORD BARNBY

The question asks for definite information. The reply given by the noble Lord indicated that the Government are in possession of the information. Is it to be understood from his reply that it is not the intention to give it now?

LORD CHORLEY

It will be made available very shortly. I am not able to inform the noble Lord of the exact time, but certainly it will be quite soon.