§ Mr. Martenasked the Lord President of the Council if he will state the cause of the OFFICIAL REPORT printers' strike, and give the estimated cost of the alternative arrangements which have been used; and whether those on strike or who are not working on printing the OFFICIAL REPORT have nevertheless been paid.
§ Mr. Robert SheldonI have been asked to reply.
Because of failure to agree on revised pay and conditions of work, members of one trade union refused to work normally. These employees have not been paid since 10th July. The approximate cost of producing by alternative methods all essential papers for both Houses of Parliament, up to and including 29th July is £73,000. It is not possible to separate the cost of the OFFICIAL REPORT With any degree of accuracy.