§ Mr. Brayasked the Minister for the Civil Service what are the total costs incurred to the latest possible date in producing parliamentary documents for the House of Commons by alternative methods of production, itemising wages and materials costs so expended.
§ Mr. Robert SheldonThe production of parliamentary papers by alternative methods during the present dispute has cost a total of £48,500 up to and including 17th July 1974. Of this amount labour cost £30,400, materials £6,700 and the balance was for equipment and other costs. It was not possible to break down, with precision, the costs incurred for each House separately.
§ Mr. Brayasked the Minister for the Civil Service how many meetings he has had with senior officers of the House of Commons since 1st July 1974 to discuss 435W the non-availability of conventionally produced Order Papers, official reports and other parliamentary documents; what were the occasions upon which alternative methods of producing these documents were discussed, and the dates and locations of such meetings.
§ Mr. Robert SheldonI had meetings with House officials when the present difficulties began at the end of June to establish in consultation with them the most satisfactory methods of producing papers to meet the House's essential needs. Since then I have personally kept closely in touch with the arrangements, and officials of Her Majesty's Stationery
Department Location Date of completion Number of staff dispersed by completion date from London on voluntary basis Passport … … Newport … October 1967 … 66 Department of Health and Social Security Fleetwood … February 1969 … About 200 Department of National Savings: Savings Certificate Office … … Durham … June 1970 … 402 National Savings Bank … … Glasgow … Still in progress … 424 (so far)