§ MR. H. J. WILSON (York, W.R., Holmfirth)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that on 9th August the authorised "Parliamentary Debates" for 21st July were not published!, and that on the same date the index was 14 weeks in arrear; whether this state of things is in accordance with the contract; and whether there is any remedy?
§ MR. HANBURYThe report for the 21st of July, which should, under the terms of the contract, have been published on the 29th of that month, was not delivered until yesterday. In great part at least, the delays are owing, not to any fault in the contractor's arrangements, but to the action of honourable Members themselves. Under the contract two clear days are to be allowed for the correction of proofs. But frequently Ministers and other Members apply to be allowed a longer—sometimes a considerably longer—period for that purpose, and there is perhaps something to be said for the view that careful correction is more important than early publication. The contractor is not bound to publish an index, except in connection with the volume edition of the "Debates"; and the only stipulation is that the complete set of volumes shall be issued within two months of the close of the Session. Up to the present five volumes of this Session have been published with their indexes.
§ MR. STUART (Shoreditch, Hoxton)Is the right honourable Gentleman aware that the delay in the return of the proofs is due to the fact that the reports require so many corrections?
§ MR. HANBURYYes, I believe so; and I am bound to say that unless things improve very much next Session, I shall have to look into the matter.
§ MR. H. J. WILSONIs the right honourable Gentleman aware that the index to Vol. 5 was only obtainable downstairs last Saturday?
§ MR. HANBURYI am not aware of that.