§ SIR HOWARD VINCENTI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury if he can suggest to the Comptroller of the Stationery Office the desirability of following the practice of the Congress of the United States of America and publishing official books in great request, such as the Imperial Conference proceedings, in handy octavo volumes instead of in the cumbrous quarto form, difficult of use in public meetings, and so heavy as quickly to burst the stitching. May I call attention to the unwieldy size of the Blue-book I have in my hand: it weighs 622 3lbs. 8ozs. and it is almost impossible to use it.
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (MR. RUNCIMAN, Dewsbury)Yes, and if it were in octavo form it would be four times the thickness.
§ SIR HOWARD VINCENTYou could have it in several volumes.
§ MR. RUNCIMANThe point raised by the hon. Member was dealt with in paragraphs 28–29 of the Report of the Select Committee on Official Publications of last session. The recommendation of the Committee is still under consideration; but I do not feel sure that the hon. Member's suggestion would meet with general approval.
§ SIR HOWARD VINCENTHow long is the matter likely to remain under consideration. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the American practice by which Blue-books are issued in handy form, each volume dealing in a specific branch?
§ MR. RUNCIMANYes, that has been known to us since last session. The consideration must go on until a decision is arrived at. I cannot say when that will be.