HC Deb 23 January 1930 vol 234 c338
75. Major MCKENZIE WOOD

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the increased interest now being taken in the proceedings in Parliament, he will consider the advisability of reducing the price of the daily OFFICIAL REPORT?

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

Experience has shown that a reduction in price would increase the loss already incurred in connection with the publication of the OFFICIAL REPORT. I regret, therefore, I cannot see my way to accept my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Major WOOD

Will the hon. Member consider the advisability of a specially reduced price for debates which are obviously of more than usual interest, like the coal debate?

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

I am afraid that would be impracticable.

Mr. FOOT

Will the hon. Member give consideration to the recommendation of a Commission of this House, made nearly 100 years ago, that where documents contain matters of public interest the price should be looked upon as being entirely a secondary matter, and that the cost to the public should be looked upon as being a secondary matter?

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

That has been considered. This matter has been gone into on several occasion, and I am afraid that I cannot vary the decision which has been taken.

Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTE

Is this another example of Liberal economy?