HC Deb 24 November 1936 vol 318 cc239-40W
Mr. LEWIS

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will Arrange that, in future, when any Government Bill seeks to enact a provision by reference to any previous Act of Parliament, copies of such Act of Parliament shall be placed in the Vote Office for the use of Members as soon as practicable after the Bill has been read a First time?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

I have carefully considered my hon. Friend's suggestion. Facilities are available in the Library to Members who desire to refer to Acts of Parliament not issuable to them under the ordinary arrangements. These facilities have been in operation over a long period of time, and so far as I am aware have worked satisfactorily. I do not consider, therefore, that I should be justified in adopting arrangements on the lines suggested, especially in view of the additional expenditure and difficulties of a practical kind which would be involved by their adoption.