§ MR. HENNIKER HEATON (Canterbury)asked the Secretary to the Treasury what arrangement had been made for reporting the Parliamentary proceedings next Session, and whether the contract had been let for five years at a price precluding the possibility of the work being done efficiently?
§ MR. HANBURYThe contract was, as usual, put up to public competition, and the lowest tender has been accepted. Bonds for a large amount have been offered, and will be taken for the due performance of the contract. The amount of the subsidy is the same as is paid to the present contractors, and in his note giving me private notice of this Question, the lion. Member says that the present contractors give general satisfaction. It is therefore obvious that the rate does not preclude the possibility of an effective Report.
§ MR. HENNIKER HEATONsaid, arising out of that reply, he begged to ask his right hon. Friend and evader of the facts whether he was aware that the present contract was carried on at a loss, and only because a large portion of the expense was shared by a powerful and wealthy morning newspaper was it continued to be carried on?
§ MR. HANBURYI am not aware of this.