HC Deb 07 April 1964 vol 692 cc790-1
24. Mr. D. Foot

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he will arrange for the Vincent Report on Ipswich which is now only obtainable from his Department at the price of £1 2s. 6d. to be printed as a Stationery Office publication or otherwise made available to the public at a reasonable price.

Mr. Corfield

The Vincent Report was printed under Stationery Office arrangements. It is one of three similar Reports all available at the same price of £1 2s. 6d. which is the lowest figure at which they can be sold without loss.

Mr. Foot

Does the hon. Gentleman appreciate that this Report is of great interest, not only to people in Ipswich but throughout East Anglia and, it may be, elsewhere, as this is a model study? Does he appreciate that it is quite impossible for the majority of people who are interested to pay the price of £1 2s. 6d.?

Mr. Corfield

The hon. and learned Member appreciate that this Report and the other two which go with it are reports of a theoretical study. Its publication does not imply either that Ipswich will be expanded or, if it is, that it will necessarily be done in this particular way. It has, therefore, no significance for the general public in Ipswich, but it is of value to those professionally concerned and in local government. I see no reason why they should not pay an economic price for its production.