§ 2.51 p.m.
§ THE LORD PRIVY SEAL (LORD WINDLESHAM)My Lords, with leave of the House, I should like to make a Statement about Parliamentary Papers. I regret to inform the House that, owing to a dispute in the Parliamentary Press, it has not been possible to produce the OFFICIAL REPORT Of yesterday's proceedings in its normal form today. The dispute is over a pay claim by Linotype operators. Her Majesty's Stationery Office are continuing urgent negotiations with the union concerned to seek a solution to the dispute. In the meantime, arrangements have been made to limit the inconvenience to the House so far as possible.
§ LORD SHACKLETONMy Lords, I understand that this has nothing to do with the events of last Friday which involved Hansard Reporters, and, in accordance with our usual custom on difficult industrial negotiations. I should prefer not to ask the noble Lord any questions, beyond asking him to keep us in the picture. As I understand it. Hansard will not have been printed and therefore there is no possibility of having photo-copies of the printing, even though not bound. But will the noble Lord be making available copies of the typescript for those who may wish to consult them? I hope that he will continue to keep the House informed on future events.
§ LORD WINDLESHAMMy Lords, as the noble Lord the Leader of the Opposition says, this dispute is quite separate from the matter concerning the Hansard Reporters, the staff of this House, which was the subject of a Statement by the Government Chief Whip on Friday. I will certainly keep the House informed on the progress of both these matters. I can confirm that although printed copies of yesterday's proceedings are not available today, there will be a number of copies of the Reporters' typescript available in the Printed Paper Office.