asked the Prime Minister whether the Royal Commission on the Location of Industry intends to make an early report; and, if not, will he state the cause of delay?

I understand that the report is now being signed, but, for the reason which I gave the hon. Member on 27th September, I cannot fix any date for its printing or publication. I do not think that the time taken by the Commission in its preparation is unreasonable, having regard to the range and difficulty of the subject.

Can the Prime Minister give any indication whether it is intended to have the report published at an early date, or does he intend not to publish it during the war?

I have already explained that in present circumstances the pressure of urgent work more directly connected with the war precludes the printing and publication.

Are we to understand that it is not to be published until the war is ended?

I did not say that, but we cannot publish it while there is the pressure of other work more connected with the war.

Is not the Prime Minister aware that there are thousands of printers out of work who would be glad of a job now?

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree, in view of the fact that the peace we hope for will come at an early date, that this question of the location of industry is of fundamental importance to places like Scotland which is concentrating on heavy industry and will be faced with tremendous unemployment immediately peace comes?

Should not the war effort be taken into account before any such report is printed and published?