A few points were raised on this Vote yesterday by Deputy MacEntee as to the prices charged for official publications. We have succeeded and the Deputy has given us credit for it in making considerable reductions in the prices of these publications. Of course, it is understood that the actual prices charged bear no relation to the actual cost. The prices are much lower than the actual cost prices, but the Stationery Office realises that the publications are primarily required for the Oireachtas and for the use of officials, and they are compiled with a view to giving the necessary information. Sale copies are then printed, and they are priced at a figure which we believe will attract public sale. As a matter of fact, the present sále price of these publications is much lower than the price of similar publications and similar articles anywhere else. Of course, they bear no relation at all to the ordinary commercial prices.
Deputy MacEntee raised another point with regard to supplying public libraries with certain official documents. We have had that matter under consideration, and we would be prepared to do that at a nominal price; it would suit our purpose better to make a small charge. I think the Deputy also adverted to the fact that printing paper is not available in this country. That is not our fault. This is no place in which to discuss the Tariff Commission or a tariff on paper.
Deputy Anthony, I think, referred to the point connected with the fair wages clause. All contracts entered into by the Stationery Office must comply with the fair wages clause. In any case that is brought to our notice in which the fair wages clause is not complied with, we are prepared to take action. A few cases have been brought to our notice where this clause has not been fully complied with, and we have taken action in these cases.
With regard to providing a pocket telephone directory for Deputies, I have to say that this might run to considerable expense and, in any case, it is not a matter primarily for the Stationery Office, but for the Department of Posts and Telegraphs.
The Deputy also raised a point with regard to the indexing of certain publications. The ordinary Dáil debates are very well indexed. With regard to the other publications, the Departments concerned, I take it, will see to this matter.
Deputy Cassidy raised a point about the printing of the Electoral Lists and the Registers of Electors locally. It is our practice and our policy where possible to have these lists printed in the district to which they pertain. But in some cases we find that a very excessive price is charged locally for these, and in those cases we, naturally, insist on having our lists printed elsewhere. Wherever the local printers are ready to do the work at a reasonable charge we are prepared to give them the preference.