§ 36. Mr. Chetwyndasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress is being made with the History of Parliament; and whether he will make a statement on the future of the Trust.
Mr. AmoryWork is going forward steadily on five sections of the History out of a total of fifteen, and I have recently agreed, in response to representations from the Trustees, to provide an additional £20,000 in order to enable a sixth section to be undertaken. The project as a whole is, of course, a very long-term one; but the arrangements which I have approved should suffice to enable the Trustees to plan the programme of work on a systematic and economical basis for several years ahead, after which the question can be considered afresh.
§ Mr. ChetwyndCan the Chancellor say when the first volumes will be published, so that we may see what they are to be like?
Mr. AmoryNot without notice, but I will look into that, and if I find that I can give a date, I will write to the hon. Gentleman, or, if he prefers to put down a Question, then I will give him the information he wants. This operation is taking a great deal longer than was thought likely when the scheme was started in 1951.