§ 2.21 p.m.
THE LORD PRIVY SEAL (EARL JELLICOE)My Lords, with the leave of the House, I should like to make a Statement about the supply of Government Papers to Parliament and members of the public. Owing to unofficial industrial action yesterday at the Parliamentary printing works by day and night staff who are responsible for printing and composing operations, Parliamentary and other Papers were not available to-day in their usual form. Hansard was not printed, but limited copies of the Lords' Hansard are available in the Library. Copies of the Order Paper and other documents necessary for to-day's business have also been made available, albeit not in the accustomed form. I am glad 158 to say that I have been advised that normal working was resumed this morning.
§ LORD SHACKLETONMy Lords, this is a situation which is not entirely unfamiliar to this House. I hope the noble Earl will realise that we are being a good deal more accommodating and understanding in this matter than the noble Earl's predecessor was: he used to harass me on this kind of matter. May I ask the noble Earl whether, in addition to Lords Papers, some Commons Papers could also be made available to us? I have attempted unsuccessfully—perhaps because I did not use sufficient vigour—to obtain copies of the Commons Hansard for yesterday. We were able on previous occasions to utilise the usual initiative and drive that existed under a Labour Government to try to make the situation rather better. Will the noble Earl try to see whether he cannot get at least some copies of the Commons Hansard made available?
§ LORD WADEMy Lords, on behalf of my colleagues I should like to thank the noble Earl for his Statement. We naturally welcome the news that normal working was resumed this morning. Do I take it that copies of the Report of the House of Lords debate of yesterday, in addition to to-day's, will be available to-morrow? Also, pressing this point a little further, I am sure the noble Earl will appreciate the value of having available a Report of the first day of a debate. May I ask the noble Earl whether there is a possibility of printed copies of the Report of yesterday's debate being made available before the end of to-day's proceedings?
EARL JELLICOEMy Lords, I should like to look into the points which the noble Lord, Lord Wade, has made. I entirely agree with him, and I will see what can be done. In reply to the noble Lord the Leader of the Opposition, I should only like to say that this Government, acting with the speed and efficiency with which they are accustomed to act, have ensured, in instant response to his request, that copies of the Commons Hansard are now available in the Library.