§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Lord President of the Council (1) what are the reasons for the delay in the publication of the bound volumes of the Official Report, Fifth Series; and if he will take steps to expedite publication;
(2) if he will consider completing the publication of the Fifth Series of the bound volume of the Official Report issued, and the bringing up to date of the Sixth Series by the use of private printers in view of the continuing delay to publication.
§ Mr. BiffenThe delays in publication have been caused by industrial and technical problems. It is now expected, however, that the nine outstanding volumes of the Fifth Series—covering the period from 27 October 1980 to 13 March 1981—will have been published by the end of August 1982. In addition, it is expected that the first volume of the Sixth Series—covering the period from 10 to 27 March 1981—will be published in July 1982, and it is hoped that progress on this series will be such that the remaining backlog will be cleared before very long. In view of this, the use of private printers would seem unnecessary at present. I will, however, keep this matter under review.