§ 27. Mr. MUIRasked the Home Secretary if he is aware that a Return has just been issued of the names, addresses, and constituencies of every Member who was elected to the Parliament of 1919–22; if this is a usual practice; what is the number of copies issued; what is the cost of the same; if he can state the reasons which, in the opinion of his Department, justify the further publication of this Return; and if, in view of the need for economy in non-essential things, he will consider the advisability of stopping this practice?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANYes, Sir; the Return has been issued in compliance with an Address from this House. It has been usual, for many years past, to publish such a Return after the close of a Parliament. 750 copies have been printed at a cost of £33 5s. 11d. The question of the continuance of the Return in the future is one for the House rather than for me to determine, but, having regard to the small cost involved and the importance for historical purposes of having an authoritative record, it seems desirable that it should be continued.
§ Mr. STURROCKIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that all the information contained in that Return can be found in countless books of reference, available to every hon. Member of this House, and will he, in view of the fact that this Return costs a certain sum of money, show an example by having it discontinued?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANIt is not for me, but for the House to decide a question like that.
§ Mr. STURROCKWill the right hon. Gentleman use his influence to give the House an opportunity of discussing this matter?