§ MR. GREENE (Shrewsbury)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether Her Majesty's Government are aware that a highly contentious leaflet [L. R. 8370–300. 9,93. G. 35. D. &S.], bearing the Royal Arms, has just been issued officially from the Land Registry Office, professing to reply to a publication circulated privately by the Incorporated Law Society, criticising the Land Transfer Bill, 1893; whether the printing and circulation of this leaflet has been sanctioned by Her Majesty's Government; and, if not, whether its cost will be provided for out of public funds, and be included in the Estimates; and whether it is in accordance with the rules or usages of the Public Service 1473 for Departments, or the Heads of Departments, to engage in controversy at public expense, either in support of such Departments or their management, or as to the merits of Bills before Parliament; and, if not, whether any, and what, steps will be taken in respect of the leaflet referred to?
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Sir J. T. HIBBERT,) OldhamI have not seen the leaflet referred to, but I understand that it was prepared by the Land Registry in reply to a pamphlet circulated to all Members of the House of Lords and containing statements about the work of the office which the Department considered itself bound to answer. If the leaflet in question is demanded by the public interest, I see no reason why it should not be paid for out of public funds.