§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Minister for the Civil Service if he is aware of the continuing delays being experienced by industry and commerce in obtaining publications from Her Majesty's Stationery Office and from the Government Bookshop; what steps are being taken to ensure a rapid improvement in the service; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Charles R. MorrisI regret the delays to which the hon. Member refers. 365W As he knows, there was an industrial dispute at the end of 1978 which interrupted supplies for 11 weeks. Her Majesty's Stationery Office is making every effort to catch up: arrears of publishing have been cleared and service from the Government Bookshops outside London is now almost back to normal. In London the mail order service is currently facing a 50 per cent. in crease in orders, and consequently it is taking somewhat longer to restore normal service there.
In the longer term, the service will be improved by the introduction of a new purpose-built distribution centre in London, the plans for which are well advanced.
If the hon. Member has difficulty in obtaining any particular publication, perhaps he would let me know.