§ MR. PICTON (Leicester)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether the annual compensation awarded by 6 and 7 William IV., c. 110, s. 3, to Sion College, in lien of the privilege then abrogated of receiving a copy of every printed book, is still paid? if so, what is the amount, and where does it appear in official accounts; and 1843 whether any Report is, as required by the above-cited Statute, sent to the Treasury of the use made of the annual grant; and, if so, are such Reports for the last ten years accessible to Members of this House?
§ MR. JACKSONThe amount of the annual grant awarded by 6 and 7 William IV., c. 110, to Sion College is £363 15s. 2d., and will be found recorded in the Finance Accounts under the heading "Compensation under the Copyright Act," p. 62. In claiming payment in each year detailed information is given, as required by Section 3 of the Act, of the applications of the money last issued; and on this the Treasury directs the amount for the year to be issued. The annual statements are retained in the Treasury, and have no general interest.
§ MR. PICTONAre the Reports accessible to Members of this House?
§ MR. JACKSONThe Reports are obtainable at the Treasury, but they are not presented to Parliament. I shall be happy to let the hon. Member see them.
§ *MR. BRADLAUGH (Northampton)Is this one of the permanent payments as to which the Chancellor of the Exchequer has been making inquiries this year, with a view to their determination?
§ MR. JACKSONYes, Sir; I believe this is included in those payments.