HC Deb 25 April 1944 vol 399 cc628-30
58. Commander King-Hall

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what was the cost to a Member of the House of Commons of the bound volumes of the House of Commons HANSARD for the Session 1943–44.

Mr. Assheton

For the Session 1943–44 two volumes have been issued to date at a price of 9s. 6d. and 10s. respectively.

Major C. S. Taylor

In view of the fact that hon. Members who try to carry out their duties conscientiously have to refer to HANSARD, which they have to read frequently at week-ends, does the right hon. Gentleman think it right that hon. Members should be put to this expense?

Mr. Assheton

My hon. and gallant Friend will recollect that the discontinuance, as a war-time economy, of the free supply of bound volumes was a recommendation of the Select Committee on Publications and Debates Reports.

59. Commander King-Hall

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether Members of the House of Lords receive the bound volumes of their Debates free of charge if they intimate their desire to receive these volumes.

Mr. Assheton

Yes, Sir.

Commander King-Hall

In view of the fact that members of another place receive HANSARD free of charge, will the right hon. Gentleman consider restoring this privilege, if hon. Members indicate their desire for it?

Mr. Assheton

I admit that this is an anomaly. Of course, there are other anomalies; for example, Members of another place do not receive salaries.

Mr. A. Bevan

In view of the answer now given by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, that Members of another place are not paid salaries and therefore receive free bound volumes of HANSARD, do we now understand that the issue of free bound volumes constitutes a payment to the House of Lords? Are they now in receipt of salaries?

Mr. Assheton

I merely mentioned an example of other anomalies.

Mr. Bevan

But are they now in receipt of salaries?

Major Woolley

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many hon. Members subscribe for these bound volumes and how much is saved annually?

Mr. Assheton

I have not the figures of how much is saved annually, but 62 hon. Members now purchase the bound volumes.

Mr. Shinwell

In view of the dissatisfaction of hon. Members, particularly because of the opportunity afforded Members of another place to obtain volumes free, will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the matter, so that hon. Members, if they so desire, may have them?

Mr. Assheton

I will certainly examine it again.