§ On the question being put that the Speaker leave the Chair,
§ Dr. Bowringasked the right hon. Baronet whether he was prepared to give an-answer to the question which he had some time ago put to him, as to the interchange of literary works between England and France.
The Chancellor of the Exchequerbelieved the question related to whether one of the eleven copies of works which were furnished by all publishers to certain libraries should be exchanged with France for a copy of the works of that country. The right of having one copy had been agreed to be purchased from the University of Aberdeen at a sum of 500l. a-year. But supposing the arrangement were made which was proposed by the hon. Gentleman, he 233 doubted very much whether any advantage would result to either country by it. He knew that the trade felt the furnishing of those eleven copies to be a great hardship, and he doubted whether it would be a great advantage to France to receive a copy of all the annuals and novels that were published here. He himself thought it would be better to give up the privilege that had been purchased of receiving these works altogether, and let the advantage remain in the hands of the publishers. If 500l. worth of books were sent to France, of course this country would expect an equivalent; and in his opinion it would be better to leave both countries to go into the market themselves, and there to purchase whatever they might require.
§ Dr. Bowringsaid, the Government of France was very desirous this interchange should take place between the two countries, with the condition that it should not be interrupted either in peace or by war.
§ The Speakerintimated to the hon. Member that he was out of order in making these observations, when there was no Question before the House.
The House then resolved itself into a Committee of Supply, and money voted for the Naval half-pay and pensions.