§ 57. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the Clarendon University Press of the University of Oxford has, since 1887, neglected to send copies of certain of its publications to the British Museum, and has only, after considerable delay, furnished copies of the publications in question; and whether he will use such powers as he possesses to ensure that all published books offered for sale to the public are presented to those libraries entitled to receive them?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Masterman)I understand from the Director of the British Museum that the Oxford University Press are usually very punctual in sending to the British Museum copies of all their publications. Owing apparently to a misunderstanding between the London and 1849 Oxford offices, the annual "Abstract of Accounts, University of Oxford," from 1887 to 1913, were not sent on their publication. On application being made for them, they were supplied (with the exception of eight numbers, which are out of print) without demur, and a promise was given that the eight missing numbers should be obtained, if possible. I have no general powers of the kind referred to in the last part of the question.
§ Mr. KINGIs it not very suspicious when the University of Oxford refuses its accounts to the public gaze?