§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR (Donegal, E.)asked the Secretary of State for War, What is the amount paid out of Army Votes (other than the Medical Vote) for newspapers; what number of newspapers are filed for official purposes, and what proportion of those paid for are treated as the personal property of officials; what are the three chief newspapers so paid for, and what is the amount paid for each; and, if he will give analogous details as to the intended expenditure in the present financial year?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)The sum last year in War Office contingencies for newspapers was £257 15s. 3d. and besides this there would be many items for newspapers at out-stations in other Votes. The expenditure for the present year is not likely to be materially different. Speaking generally, all newspapers are taken for official purposes; and though space does not allow of many sets being filed, extracts are retained which affect particular branches of work. The newspapers of which most copies are taken are The Times, Daily News, Standard, and Morning Post. Those newspapers which are not required for filing, or are not otherwise wanted, become mere waste paper, and the officials for whose use they are taken are at liberty to retain them if they please.
§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNORasked whether the right hon. Gentleman had any objection to state what were the three chief newspapers so paid for, and what was the amount paid for each?
§ MR. E. STANHOPEThe principal papers are the London morning papers and the military papers. I will show a list of them to the hon. Member privately.
In reply to a further Question by Mr. ARTHUR O'CONNOR,
§ MR. E. STANHOPEsaid, there was no public or official or personal reason why this information should be withdrawn from the House of Commons.
§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNORgave Notice that he would move for a Return.