§ SIR CHARLES CAMERON (Glasgow, Bridgeton)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the last number of the Parliamentary Debates delivered is that for 24th March; and whether the contract for the printing of the Debates contains any provision intended to insure prompt delivery?
§ CAPTAIN SINCLAIR (Forfar)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that at 8 p.m. yesterday, the 1st of May, the latest daily Hansard Report of the Debates and Proceedings in Parliament available in the Library was that of the 24th of March, whereas paragraph 5 of the now current contract requires that on the seventh day the contractor shall publish his Report containing the speeches; and whether he will take such steps as may either amend the terms of the contract or require its fulfilment?
§ MR. ANSTRUTHER (St. Andrews Burghs),replying for Mr. Hanbury (Preston) said: It is a fact that the last number of the Parliamentary Debates delivered is that for March 24. It is also a fact that paragraph 5 of the existing contract requires that on the seventh day the contractor shall publish his report containing the speeches. In the present instance the serious delay which has occurred is due to exceptional circumstances. Steps will be taken to ensure that the delay shall not recur in future.