§ Mr. Cryerasked the Minister for the Civil Service whether he will make a statement about the provision by Her Majesty's Stationery Office of papers for this House.
§ Mr. Charles R. MorrisDuring this Session the work of both Houses has called for a very large amount of print,302W on some occasions extending far beyond the normal requirement. The average content of the Vote Bundle has increased by 75 per cent. since Whitsun; amendments to Bills have increased threefold over the same period. Most of this has been supplied by St. Stephen's Parliamentary Press whose staff have willingly worked long hours to meet the needs of Parliament. Although the sheer volume of work has sometimes overloaded the Press, the vast majority of the material has been delivered on time. Delays due to disputes have been insignificant. I should like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the management and staff of the Press for their efforts.
For a time work put out on contract was delayed by a dispute in the private sector but this has now been resolved.
§ Mr. Cryerasked the Minister for the Civil Service how many industrial workers are employed by Her Majesty's Stationery Office; how much time has been lost in industrial disputes during 1975; and how these figures compare with those for earlier years and with the record of industry generally.
§ Mr. Charles R. MorrisThe information required by my hon. Friend is as follows:
H.M.S.O. Industrial Staff (as at 31st March) Number of Days lost Days lost per 1,000 employees Presses and Binderies 1972 2,578 1,147 445 1973 2,536 3,685 1,453 1974* 2,379 38,663 16,251 1975 (1st half) 2,296 6.5 2.9 Other Establishments 1972 1,678 Nil Nil 1973 1,639 2,226.5 1,358.5 1974 1,585 4.5 2.8 1975 1,580 Nil Nil Total 1972 4,256 1,147 269 1973 4,175 5,911.5 1,416 1974 3,964 38,667.5 9,754 1975 (1st half) 3,876 6.6 1.7 303W
Comparison with Industry generally Days lost per 1,000 employees All industries H.M.S.O. 1972 1,058 269 1973 317 1,416 1974* 651 9,754 1975 (1st half) 170.5 1.71 * The H. M. S. O. figures for 1974 were largely influenced by one major stoppage in its presses.
§ Mr. Cryerasked the Minister for the Civil Service whether the printing workers employed by Her Majesty's Stationery Office have been consulted regarding the installation of copying machines in the House of Commons Interview Floor.
§ Mr. Charles R. MorrisI would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to him today by the Lord President of the Council.