§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterOn a point of order. May I ask whether we are to have a statement today on the continuing and worsening situation in respect of the supply of Parliamentary Papers? We all very much appreciate the heroic efforts of the Vote Office staff to produce this document, without which we could not function at all, but it contains no notice of future business. There has been, I understand, no new issue of the Order Book since Thursday. This is causing very real difficulties.
May I ask the Leader of the House, now that he is here, whether he will make a statement on what steps, after this long interference with the normal working of Parliament, are being taken to enable us to do our duty properly?
§ Mr. SpeakerI am glad that the right hon. Gentleman has paid tribute to the Vote Office and Table Office for the way in which they are trying to cope with a very, very difficult situation. I have had no request from the Leader of the House to make a statement on this matter.
§ The Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. Fred Peart)The right hon. Gentleman is quite right. This is of great concern. Many of our colleagues in the House have been working very hard on this matter, which concerns an industrial dispute. I will keep the House informed. I will, if necessary, have a statement made tomorrow.