§ MR. JAMES O'CONNORI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that at four o'clock 239 on the afternoon of the 14th instant the last number of The Parliamentary Debates to be obtained in the Library was that recording the proceedings of the 25th February; and, seeing that this represents an arrear of nine or ten days beyond contract time, can he say whether the delay is due to the extra work thrown on the reporters in consequence of the recent late sittings; and whether he will take steps to ensure a more prompt issue of the Debates. In putting this question I desire to say that it implies no reflection on the reporting staff', which I believe is doing its duty very satisfactorily.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINYes, Sir, I am aware that there has been a very regrettable delay in the publication of the Debates this session, but I am informed that within a few minutes of the time mentioned in the hon. Member's question two more daily parts were placed in the Library. I have communicated with the contractors, who inform mo that the delay has been due to the breakdown of a vessel conveying new plant and material for use in the work, but that the plant and material are now in their hands and the arrears are being rapidly made up. I hope that under these circumstances no further cause of complaint will arise. The hon. Member will see that it is not suggested that the delay is due to the reporting staff.
§ MR. JAMES O'CONNOR1s the right hon. Gentleman aware that the last number of the printed proceedings of this House in the Library now is dated 28th February—eighteen days ago?
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINI am not aware of the fact, but I accept the hon. Member's statement. I hope that now the new machinery has reached the contractors the delay will soon be made up.
§ MR. TENNANT (Berwickshire)May I ask where the new plant and machinery came from—was it made in Germany or not?
§ *MR. SPEAKEROrder, order!