12. Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he took to make available in the Library on Tuesday, 13th December 1977 copies of the report of the cross-border communications study between Northern Ireland and County Donegal.
§ Mr. ConcannonIn accordance with normal practice, copies of the report were placed in the Library on Tuesday, 13th December.
Mr. RossIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, despite his efforts, the Library could not find a copy of the report? 1s he also aware that it is very difficult for hon. Members to comment upon a report that is not available? Will he therefore make efforts to improve upon this performance in the future, because although this report was very largely a bucket of whitewash, there might some day be one that is important?
§ Mr. ConcannonThe hon. Gentleman must understand that this was not my report. In effect, I did not officially receive this report. I was given the report in the city of Londonderry at 12 noon on the day that I visited the city. I had arranged for a copy to be delivered, and I am assured that it was delivered at 12 noon on that day. I am sorry that the hon. Gentleman could not find it. He should have accepted my invitation to come to Londonderry, when he could have been presented with the report.
§ Mr. McCuskerWill the right hon. Gentleman ensure that, when the Fair Employment Agency, which is the responsibility of his right hon. Friend publishes significant reports on Northern Ireland, it at least makes an effort to ensure that copies are available not only in the Library but in the Northern Ireland Office in London?
§ Mr. ConcannonThis is a report from, I believe, an individual in the Agency. I have not yet seen a copy of it, so I do not wish to comment on it now.