HC Deb 11 May 1943 vol 389 cc476-7
43. Mr. Ralph Etherton

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in addition to the monthly consolidated lists of Statutory Rules and Orders, he will make available monthly the Statutory Rules and Orders themselves consolidated in one cover?

The Financial Secretary (Mr. Assheton)

No, Sir, I do not think that the public demand for a monthly consolidated edition would be sufficient to justify the additional paper, materials and labour that it would involve.

Mr. Etherton

Will my hon. Friend say why there would be an increase in the paper issued, because if the orders were consolidated in one cover it would simplify matters, as it is difficult to keep pace with individual orders?

Mr. Assheton

Regulations are consolidated at frequent intervals, and all Orders are consolidated annually, and to increase the number of returns would certainly need more paper.

Mr. Etherton

Are they not consolidated only once each year, and that, five or six months after the close of the year?

Mr. Assheton

My hon. Friend will realise that the greater number of members of the public are only interested in a very limited number of Orders.

Sir J. Lamb

Will my hon. Friend do his best to restrict the number of Orders, and then things will not be quite so difficult?