asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he proposes to prepare an Economic Survey of Scotland for 1948 and if it will include an import and export balance sheet for Scotland.

I am considering whether it is desirable to supplement in a separate publication about Scotland the Economic Survey for 1948 which, as my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister for Economic Affairs has indicated, it is hoped to publish not later than January. I am afraid that it would not be possible to compile a balance sheet of the kind referred to in the last part of the Question.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that answer, may I ask will he not consider as a supplement to the Economic Survey the publication of a balance sheet of this nature?

The point is that England and Scotland have become rather like Siamese twins; and it is just as difficult to cut them apart as it is to cut living people apart.

If the right hon. Gentleman decides to issue such a survey, will he see that time is given on the Floor of the House to debate it?

That is not a question for me.

It cannot be a balance sheet because the sides do not balance.