107. Major HOPEasked the Secretary for Scotland why the Code of Regulations for Day Schools (Scotland), 1913, was not obtainable by hon. Members at the Vote Office on 14th April, seeing that it was presented to the House of Commons on 9th April and a summary of the Code appeared in the Press on 11th April?
The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. McKinnon Wood)The usual practice was followed. The Code was laid in proof, and the printers do not print the copies required till official notice of the fact that the Code has been laid appears in the Votes. Members can see the proof at the Table as soon as it is laid. I am informed that copies will be available to-day or to-morrow.
Major HOPEMay I ask why, in a previous year, it appeared in the Press before it was available for Members?
Mr. McKINNON WOODThe difficulty arose some years ago, because some papers obtained the information and others did not. It was thought that the simplest way was to let the various papers interested have proofs so that there would be no suspicion of partiality.
§ Mr. HOGGEIs it not the general practice of all the Departments to give the Press the advantage of seeing reports first?
Mr. McKINNON WOODThey do not get the advantage of seeing reports first. Members can see the report in proof, but the required copies cannot be printed until it is laid on the Table.
Mr. McKINNON WOODIt was laid on the 9th of this month. A proof can be seen by inquiry at the Table.