HC Deb 15 April 1969 vol 781 cc977-8
30. Mr. Milne

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the difficulties being experienced in the North-East in obtaining copies of In Place of Strife and other Government publications, he will set up a branch of Her Majesty's Stationery Office in Newcastle.

Mr. Taverne

The possibility of opening a Government Bookshop in Newcastle has been examined several times, but there is insufficient demand for Government publications in the Newcastle area to justify the opening of a Government Bookshop, which would be required to pay its way.

Mr. Milne

Is my hon. and learned Friend aware that his reply is not only a disappointing one but a wrong one? If he examines closely the situation in the North-East, he will find that there is a growing demand for Government publications which remains unsatisfied. On top of that, is he further aware that one of the leading firms in the city had to borrow a copy of In Place of Strife" from the Department of Employment and Productivity and had to return it after examining it because no other supplies were available?

Mr. Taverne

I am aware that for various reasons there has been a brisk demand for the document "In Place of Strife". But neither the Stationery Office nor its Newcastle agent has been aware of any difficulty in getting copies. Generally speaking, to justify a Govern ment bookshop which would pay its way, it would have to have a turnover of at least £35,000 a year, and at present demand falls short of that.

Mr. Doughty

In view of the difficulty in getting copies of "In Place of Strife", the hon. Gentleman may be interested to know about a better publication called "Fair Deal at Work" which can be obtained from Conservative Central Office.

Mr. Taverne

Yes, and I recommend that pamphlet to some of my hon. Friends who may not be aware of its full implications.

Mr. Heffer

That is a cheap and stupid answer.

Mr. Milne

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter at the earliest possible moment on the Adjournment.