§ Mr. Barnettasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why the White Paper, Estate duty on Settled Property, which was issued in London on 30th April, was not available in Her Majesty's Stationery Office, Manchester, by 5th May; and why the staff of the Manchester office were unable to say when it would be available.
§ Mr. Harold LeverEstate Duty on Settled Property (Cmnd. 4021) was published at 4 p.m. on 30th April. It was not possible to distribute copies to the regions because of an industrial dispute in the main publishing warehouse of the Stationery Office. The staff at Manchester were unable to forecast its availability locally because it was impossible to predict the end of the dispute.
§ Mr. Barnettasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the general procedure to enable Her Majesty's Stationery Offices in the provinces to have available Bills and White Papers simultaneously with London; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Harold LeverIt is impracticable for reasons of expense and security to190W publish all Parliamentary publications simultaneously with London; but such arrangements do apply to important papers where the Minister responsible considers that it would be in the public interest to do so. For papers with an important regional interest simultaneous publication is extended to appropriate centres. Such arrangements have, however, temporarily ceased with the present industrial difficulties at the Stationery Office.