§ 51. Sir John Mellorasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate of the cost of correcting the erroneous figures contained in Command Paper No. 7697, presented in May, concerning Government Information Services, deterred him from withdrawing the document and presenting the correct version when the errors came to his notice in May or in June.
§ Sir S. CrippsThe cost would have been about five guineas; but if the hon. Member will look at the reply I gave him on 22nd November he will see that cost was not the sole factor.
§ Sir J. MellorIn view of the vast sums spent by the Government upon information services would it not have been worth while to spend another £5 5s. upon ensuring the accuracy of this document?
§ Sir S. CrippsThe answer is "No." I should have thought it a complete waste.
§ Sir J. MellorIs not the Chancellor aware that on the Public Accounts Committee two members recommended the withdrawal of this document and that no members dissented from this proposition?
§ Sir S. CrippsI have seen what transpired.
§ Sir J. MellorHas not the Chancellor taken any notice of it?