Section 6. All reports required to be made by permanent state departments, officers and commissions may, subject to the approval of the commission on administration and finance and except as otherwise provided, be printed annually. The state purchasing agent shall designate the number of copies of each report to be printed. The department, officer or commission required to make an annual report may, with the approval of the commission on administration and finance, authorize the printing and distribution of such reports or parts thereof by outside agencies; provided, that any such publications shall not be offered for sale.