§ Mr. Fieldasked the Minister for the Civil Service why Government Statistical Service publications issued by Her Majesty's Stationery Office are available to the press before they are available to hon. Members through the Library.
§ Mr. HayhoeGovernment Statistical Service publications are not parliamentary papers. Like other such Government publications they are normally supplied to the House of Commons Library by Her Majesty's Stationery Office on the day of publication. In accordance with long-established practice, Departments may for publicity purposes and at their own discretion make limited numbers available to journalists before publication under strict embargo.