HC Deb 02 June 1980 vol 985 cc505-6W
Mr. Alton

asked the Minister for the Civil Service why Her Majesty's Stationery Office's pamphlet " Protect and Survive " was distributed to booksellers before it appeared in Her Majesty's Stationery Office's daily list; why it was then withdrawn from the said booksellers; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Channon

Her Majesty's Stationery Office follows trade practice on distributing publications to booksellers before publication. This ensures countrywide availability on publication day. Regrettably some booksellers put copies of " Protect and Survive " on sale prematurely. Her Majesty's Stationery Office asked these booksellers to withdraw copies from sale until publication day—16 May 1980.