HC Deb 17 March 1898 vol 55 cc86-7
SIR HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury if it is a fact that the sale of Parliamentary Papers to Members has fallen off considerably since the removal of the Sale Office to a remote room in the basement; and if he wall endeavour, with the co-operation of the First Commissioner of Works, to place it, or a branch of it, in a more accessible position, and, if possible, near the Vote Office?

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. R. W. HANBURY,) Preston

The receipts from Parliamentary Papers sold at the House do not indicate any falling off. The average amount in the three years to 1890 was £161; to 1893, £138; to 1896, £219; and in the year 1896–97 the amount was £220. The Sale Office was removed five or six years ago in order to provide accommodation more urgently required for other purposes in the neighbourhood of the Lobby; and I am informed by the Office of Works that there is no other position available which, would be more convenient to Members than the present one.

MR. T. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)

Seeing that it is impossible to get papers other than those also obtainable at the Vote Office, will the right hon. Gentleman, in the interests of economy, consider the desirability of other papers and publications to be there purchased?

MR. HANBURY

I will consider if it is possible to thus provide for the sale of these papers.