HC Deb 27 April 1944 vol 399 cc936-7
58. Mr. Hutchinson

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he will give instructions that Members of Parliament shall be supplied upon application with a copy of the British Imperial Calendar and Civil Service List.

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Assheton)

No, Sir. Members are supplied on applicatipn with free copies of Non-Parliamentary Government publications reasonably necessary for their Parliamentary work, but a free personal supply of official reference books has never been included, and I do not feel it would be justifiable, especially at this time, to vary the long standing practice.

Mr. Hutchinson

Why should Members of Parliament be refused these books, which they require for the purpose of their duties, merely because they are works of reference?

Mr. Assheton

This is a book that is in the Library and is available to Members. We must limit the number of publications that are circulated.