HL Deb 25 June 1979 vol 400 cc1216-7
Lord DENHAM

My Lords, I must apologise for the fact that certain papers, including the Minute, are not being printed as usual. This is the result of action being taken by overseers at St. Stephen's Parliamentary Press who are members of the Institution of Professional Civil Servants. The IPCS are in dispute with the Civil Service Department over a pay claim for professional and technical officers affecting those grades. In accordance with previous practice when production of the Parliamentary Press has been interrupted, the authorities of the House are making the necessary arrangements to ensure that the continued production of essential supplies is done on an emergency basis. I very much hope that normal service will be resumed as quickly as possible.

Lord DERWENT

My Lords, I think that my noble friend said that the papers were not, as usual, being printed. Did he mean that they were being printed as usual, or as usual were not being printed?

Lord DENHAM

My Lords, I shall need a certain amount of time to work out what is the difference!