§ 2.41 p.m.
§ LORD STONHAMMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask the Leader of the House if he is aware of the considerable recent increase in the work of the staff of the OFFICIAL REPORT, and if he will ask the Offices Committee to consider appropriate increases in salaries and the necessity of engaging additional staff.]
THE LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL AND SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS (THE EARL OF HOME)My Lords, I am fully aware of the increase in the work of the House that has taken place over the last year and, in particular, in recent months; and I am sure that the whole House is appreciative of the loyal service that has been, and is being, given to us by our official reporters, sometimes under great pressure. There is no need for me to approach the Offices Committee, because the Clerk of the Parliaments has already formulated proposals which will be laid before the next meeting of the Committee and which I have every reason to believe will be satisfactory to all concerned.
§ LORD STONHAMMy Lords, I thank the noble Earl.