HC Deb 30 September 1931 vol 257 cc346-7
41. Colonel HOWARD-BURY

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can state the amount that would be saved in the costs of labour, stationery and printing if the plan was adopted of having a résumé report of Members' speeches instead of a full verbatim report of Members' speeches printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT?

Major ELLIOT

The estimated total annual cost of producing the OFFICIAL REPORT of Parliamentary Debates (House of Commons) is approximately £35,500, of which £28,000 is for paper, printing and binding. It is difficult to estimate the net saving which might result from the adoption of my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion, in view of the additional cost of preparing résumés of hon. Members' speeches.

Colonel HOWARD-BURY

Would not the mere proposal cause economy by causing a reduction in the expenditure of gas?

Mr. STEPHEN

Could the matter not be dealt with by the hon. and gallant Member who put the question ceasing to make speeches in this House?