HC Deb 04 February 1958 vol 581 c969
31. Mr. Hyde

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why he charges such a high price for the published proceedings of the Bank Rate Tribunal.

Mr. Amory

The price is not high for a publication of this size and limited circulation. It is calculated to recover no more than the cost of printing and selling expenses, including discounts to booksellers.

Mr. Hyde

Does my right hon. Friend not agree that if he were to reduce the price to, say 15s. he would sell very many more copies, to the general public advantage?

Mr. Amory

That is certainly a commercial consideration which appeals to me, and I shall look into it.

Mr. E. Fletcher

Is it the intention of the Chancellor to try to deter the public from reading these very illuminating proceedings?

Mr. Amory

On the contrary. On the other hand, I very much dislike making a loss on Government publications.