HC Deb 01 March 1937 vol 321 cc40-1W
Mr. White

asked the Minister of Labour why the report of the independent expert on conditions in South-West Durham, made to the Special Commissioner on 5th November, 1936, was not published until 24th February, 1937; and what action has been taken by His Majesty's Government on the report?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

As the hon. Member will see from replies given on 16th November, it was not the intention originally to publish this report. On account of further demands for its publication and suggestions that it contained important recommendations which should be made known to the House, the Minister decided, with the concurrence of the Commissioner, to comply with the request made by the hon. Member for Barnard Castle (Mr. Sexton) on 18th February by placing a copy of the report in the Library of the House. The reply to the last part of the question will be given in the course of the Debate on the proposals which the Government are tabling to-day.