§ Mr. SNOWDENasked the Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that a London newspaper published certain information on the 4th instant as to the number of old age pension books not delivered on 1st July; that such information could only have been communicated by a Treasury official; and does he propose to fine the official for a breach of regulations, according to precedent?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEMy attention has been called to the publication of the information in question. I do not know in what manner or by whom it was communicated to the Press, but inquiry is being made with the view of discovery whether it was communicated by any official. I may, however, add that the information did not reach the Treasury till after the 4th August.