HC Deb 23 February 1921 vol 138 cc902-3
12. Mr. GWYNNE

asked the Secretary of State for India whether Reports, even of a trivial nature, from the Government of India to the Secretary of State are printed; and whether this costly method of transmitting messages is necessary?

Mr. MONTAGU

If the hon. Member refers to despatches, most despatches from the Government of India are printed, because, even when the subject matter is not of the first importance, several copies are required for office use, both here and in India. The hon. Member is probably aware that the cost of printing in India is considerably less than in this country, and I doubt whether the saving effected by not printing despatches could counterbalance the inconvenience. But a very considerable mass of correspondence of a less formal character is not sent in print.