HC Deb 07 November 1944 vol 404 cc1258-9
55. Mr. John Dugdale

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he will consider again issuing free bound volumes of HANSARD to such Members as desire them.

Mr. Peake

No, Sir. The discontinuance of the free supply of bound volumes of HANSARD to Members was a recommendation of the Select Committee on Publications and Debates Reports which was approved by Mr. Speaker and announced by him in the House on 26th June, 1940. The Report of the Committee for 1943–44 published very recently shows that the Committee again considered the matter as late as 12th October and did not advise a reversal of the decision.

Mr. Dugdale

Would even the most insignificant Government official tolerate a position whereby he has to buy necessary reference books?

Mr. Peake

This was a decision based upon a recommendation of a Select Committee of this House. The matter was reconsidered as late as 12th October last, and the Select Committee took a Division upon this matter. The hon. and gallant Member for Ormskirk (Commander King-Hall), who is a great protagonist of free HANSARD, was in a minority of one in that Division. In those circumstances, it would seem rather absurd for the Treasury to ignore the recommendations of the Select Committee.

Mr. McEntee

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the publication, after the war, of all those volumes that have not been issued to hon. Members, so that those Members who are keeping them may have a complete record?

Mr. Peake

That is a different matter.

Mr. Petherick

Would my right hon. Friend discuss with the Minister of Supply the whole question of paper supplies in this House, in view of the fact that it is quite ridiculous that Members should be inundated with absolutely useless stuff which is sent in the post, time after time, when we cannot get the important and very essential bound copies of HANSARD?

Mr. Peake

If I may reply to my hon. Friend's first question, that is a question of binding facilities, as against paper supply. They are really two quite different questions.

Mr. Bowles

Is it not a fact that six months ago the House was told that only something like 10 per cent., or about 60, Members bought their HANSARD at a cost of about £5 a year? Surely that is placing a premium against people, who are unable to afford these volumes and are thus deprived of the materials with which to do their work?

Colonel Sir Arthur Evans

May I ask the Leader of the House whether, in view of the fact that this Report was only in the nature of a recommendation to this House, this House might have an opportunity of considering the Report?

Mr. Keeling

Is it not a fact that Peers get their bound copies of HANSARD free?

Mr. Dugdale

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.