HC Deb 07 December 1922 vol 159 cc2034-5W
Mr. SHINWELL

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent the sales of the Official Reports of Debates have increased since the opening of the Session in comparison to previous sales; and to what extent the cost of printing has diminished?

Mr. BALDWIN

The average number of copies of the OFFICIAL REPORT sold during the first few days of the present Session was the same as the average for the corresponding period of last Session—about 950. Sales tend to fall away as the Session proceeds. There has been no fall in the cost of printing since the price of the OFFICIAL REPORT was raised last December. I would like to take this opportunity of correcting the statement I made in reply to a supplementary question on Tuesday last, that the copies sold have to bear the cost of the copies distributed to Members. I find that this is not so. The cost of all copies distributed gratis is borne by the State.