SALE OF ASSEMBLY PUBLICATIONS

Mr John Ede asked the Chief Secretary whether he will make arrangements for the Assembly Hansard and other publications presented to this House which are not published in the Government Gazette to be made available to the public (i) by annual subscription and (ii) at rates cheaper than the existing rates.

Mr Goode: Sir, both the size and the number of issues of Hansard and other publications vary very greatly from year to year. It is impossible, therefore, to foresee even approximately the number of copies involved, and so it is not possible to fix annual subscription rates. However, the Government Printer accepts deposits against which these publications are supplied immediately on issue to subscribers. These publications are sold at a price which barely covers the cost of the paper and other material used. A reduction in price would cause a considerable loss of revenue, and I do not consider that it would bring any corresponding increase in sales.