I want to raise a matter of privilege. I do not want to argue it, Sir, but only to bring it to your attention. I did not get an opportunity of informing you beforehand. On 27th June the Minister for Finance tabled in the Library the Finance Accounts for the year ending 31st March, 1952. On 28th June, the following day, I went to the Library to get the accounts that were so tabled and that appeared to be so tabled according to the Order Paper of 27th June. I found that the sole account was a blank sheet of paper. I informed the proper officers of this House who, I understand, informed the Minister's officers and I was told that that was the normal procedure. I suggested that whether it was normal procedure or not it was an entirely incorrect procedure and that when documents are tabled, even if they are not yet printed, a typescript copy should be available, and I indicated that, so far as the summary was concerned, at least the summary should be made available. I said I would raise the matter during the next week but, not being unduly anxious to press it, I left the matter over for a week.
I then pressed the matter again, and I was told by message that the information would be forthcoming if I put down a question. I submit that that is not the proper method, that when documents are presented and tabled in this way they should be put in the Library, which is the proper place, in typescript if, as can obviously be seen, they could not be printed within the statutory time.
