HC Deb 17 October 1916 vol 86 cc388-9
113. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has now found out who was responsible for the suggestion to pulp 500 copies of a valuable Scottish historical record at 1s. a volume?

Mr. TENNANT

The surplus stock in question, consisting of unbound odd volumes of a series, was listed by the Scottish Record authorities in response to a Stationery Office circular, for consideration as to whether the bulk of the stock after allowing for a sufficent reserve should be preserved or dealt with as waste paper. The consideration which the matter received from the Select Committee on Publications has resulted in a recommendation that all these papers shall be preserved with a view to their ultimate distribution under a scheme approved by the Scottish Office. The Scottish Record authorities had no opportunity of appearing before the Select Committee, and I am afraid that some misunderstanding has arisen. My hon. Friend will realise that the whole proceedings in the matter warrant no reflection on the Scottish officials concerned.

Mr. HOGGE

What I really want to know is who was responsible?

Mr. TENNANT

It is impossible to say.

Mr. HOGGE

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries in order to save any further destruction of Scottish historical documents?

Mr. TENNANT

I do not know of any others.