§ 29. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether His Majesty's Government will undertake the printing and publication of the history of the institution and personnel of Parliament which is being prepared under the direction of a Committee consisting of Members of both Houses?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Chamberlain)I have been assured by the Committee in question that the proposed history will not involve a net charge on public funds, and with the object of assisting this undertaking I have agreed on behalf of the Government to the following arrangement, which is accepted by the Committee as satisfactory and likely to produce the results required. Provided that there is secured beforehand from sources other than public funds a minimum sum of £15,000 towards the cost of compiling the history, the Government, while they cannot pledge Parliament or future administrations to a continuing expenditure of public money, will be prepared for their part to authorise the publica- 1256 tion, and placing on sale, by the Stationery Office at the public cost of volumes of the history up to a maximum number, varying, proportionately with the amount collected, from 20, if only the minimum sum is secured, up to the total of 40 if £30,000 is secured.
It is anticipated by the Committee that receipts from sales, which will be credited to the Stationery Office Vote, will cover the cost of publication. It is understood that the Government cannot take any responsibility for raising the above sums but I am sure that there will be a general hope that the Committee may be successful in their efforts.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWhile thanking the right hon. Gentleman, may I ask my hon. Friends in this House to help? It is a great honour.