§ Mr. WinnickTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what was the price per copy, in(a) real and (b) current prices of a daily copy of the Official Report in 1970, what it is at present; what has been the percentage change in the price since 1970; and what has been the change in the retail prices index over the same period.
Mr. Robert G. HughesThe price of House of Commons dailyHansard in 1970 was 2s 3d, which adjusted by the percentage change in the retail prices index of 787 per cent. is equivalent to 87p today; the price since 1991 has been £7.50. The 1970 price was heavily subsidised by the taxpayer, and this is no longer the case. HMSO announced last year that prices for routine parliamentary publications, including the Official Report, would not be increased during the life of the present Parliament.
§ Mr. WinnickTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans he has to meet the officers of the 751W Hansard Society to discuss their report on the decline in the sales of Hansard; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WinnickTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what steps he is taking to achieve maximum distribution of theOfficial Report; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Robert G. HughesMarket research on the prospects for increasing sales of theOfficial Report has recently been undertaken by MORI on behalf of HMSO. The findings are currently under consideration.