§ Lord Pearson of Rannochasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many copies of their Guide to the European Union they have distributed; at what cost; to which recipients; and whether, in pursuit of their declared intention to encourage national debate, they will send a publication to the same recipients on the disadvantages of membership of the European Union. [HL4959]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean207,000 copies of the Guide to the EU have been printed at a cost of approximately £45,000. The EU Guide has been sent to every public library in the UK and over the coming months will be distributed at events and venues nationwide. It is also available online at www.europe.gov.uk and members of the public can request individual copies from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.136WA The costs and obligations of EU membership, as well as the benefits, are explained within the guide, which is an accurate and informative account of the facts about the EU. Government policy is that membership of the EU is strongly in Britain's best interests, and we are committed to raising awareness of the benefits of our membership.