§ 63. Earl Wintertonasked the Secretary to the Treasury if, in view of the demand for copies of the report of the Canadian Royal Commission on the Gouzenko case and the cost of purchasing copies, he will arrange for abridged copies of this report, provided that the consent of the Canadian Government be obtained, to be printed here and placed on sale to the public.
§ Mr. Glenvil HallNo, Sir. I would add that additional copies are now on the way from Canada, and should be available shortly.
§ Earl WintertonIn view of the great interest taken in this matter, and the fact that it involves a plot against a sister State of the Empire, in which a Member of Parliament of that country and members of the Soviet Embassy, one of whom is in this country, are concerned, will the right hon. Gentleman see that the widest possible circulation is given to this document, especially as there was nearly a similar case in this country in the case of Mr. Trebistch Lincoln, M.P.?
§ Mr. Glenvil HallWe are, of course, anxious to meet the demand for copies of 2169 this book, but the Question asked whether the Government would issue an abridged edition. It is our view that it would be very difficult for the Government to issue a "potted" version of a publication issued by another Government. It is more for a private firm to undertake.
§ Earl WintertonDo I understand that there is to be a further distribution of copies of this highly important State document?
§ Mr. Glenvil HallYes, Sir.
§ Brigadier LowCould the right hon. Gentleman say when the further distribution is likely to take place?
§ Mr. Glenvil HallWe have ordered over 1,000 further copies. Seven hundred of them are now on the way. I do not like to commit the Stationery Office to an exact date, but it is our hope that they will be on sale and available within a fortnight.