HC Deb 17 July 1913 vol 55 cc1428-30
73. Mr. KING

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been called to a large number of circulars, headed "The Fighting Fund," and bearing the telegraphic address "Combative, London," which have been issued on House of Commons paper; whether he is aware that stamped reply envelopes of House of Commons stationery were sent out with this circular; whether he can state the quantity of paper ordered for this purpose; and whether he proposes to take any steps to prevent such use of House of Commons paper and envelopes for party propaganda in future?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I understand that under an arrangement made some three years ago hon. Members desiring to have a large supply of House of Commons stationery for special purposes may obtain it on repayment of the cost price to the Stationery Office. This cost price is very considerably under the cost in the open market. In the case referred to, 20,000 sheets of paper and 20,000 envelopes were ordered and supplied.

Mr. KING

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered whether this privilege ought to be continued; and especially has he considered the use to which the paper is being put in this individual case? Has he seen the circular?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I do not think that the House of Commons, when it sanctioned the practice, had any idea that it would be used for such purposes as this. I am willing to consider any steps which we may be able to take, if the House desires it, to stop what I think is an abuse of the privilege.

Colonel PHILIPPS

Is there any loss to the revenue?

Mr. MASTERMAN

No; but the paper is sold at less than the price at which it would be furnished in the open market.

Mr. ROBERT HARCOURT

Could any steps be taken against the persons concerned?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I do not know what the legal position would be.

Sir WILLIAM BYLES

Has the sanction of the House to the practice to be repeated year by year or is it permanent?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I think it is a general matter of arrangement which amounts to the approval of the House.

Mr. WING

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman put up the price of the paper to equal that of outside competitors and refuse to become a blackleg of the stationery trade?

Mr. MASTERMAN

The House is not a blackleg of the stationery trade; but as the Stationery Office makes contracts, under certain conditions it is able to obtain its paper more cheaply than it could be obtained in the open market.

Mr. KING

Can some censorship be exercised over the style of circular? The one in question says that what is needed is a resolute regiment of men.

Mr. MASTERMAN

I do not know anything about the resolute regiment of men, but I have no doubt that the House generally thought that the paper was to be for the private use of Members of Parliament.