§ MR. FISHER (Fulham)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, having regard to the supreme importance of a knowledge among all classes of the conditions of industrial and social life, and to the opportunities afforded by Free Public Libraries of studying such conditions by means of the Reports and statistics issued by Government Departments, he will make such financial provision as will secure the presentation to all Free Public Libraries of such Blue Books and Parliamentary Papers as may be applied for from time to time by the Library Commissioners?
§ MR. W. E. GLADSTONEIn answer to this question, I have to say that arrangements have been in operation since 1886 whereby any Public Library is supplied gratuitously with any Parliamentary Papers for which it might apply to the Stationery Office. The expense of doing this is charged to a special sub-head in the Stationery Vote. A small sum, which is amply sufficient for the purpose, has been yearly provided on that account.