HC Deb 30 April 1985 vol 78 cc109-10W
Mr. Peter Bruinvels

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what information he has as to the number of days lost through industrial action in 1984 and to date in 1985 in the newspaper industry; and how these figures compare with each of the past five years.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

The information is as follows:

Working days lost in the newspaper industry
Number
1979 640,000
1980 128,000
1981 13,000
1982 15,000
1983 30,000
1984 *27,000
†1985 *21,000
* Provisional estimate.
† January to March.

Mr. Bruinvels

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will detail in the Official Report all stoppages as a result of industrial disputes, and the national papers concerned, as notified to his Department during 1984 and to date in 1985.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

The following stoppages as a result of industrial disputes involving national newspapers have been recorded.

Newspaper Dates of dispute
Start End
1984
The Times 13 January 1 February
The Observer 26 May 26 May
Financial Times 5 July 5 July
The Guardian 9 July 9 July
The Sun 13 July 28 July
Daily Telegraph 11 October 11 October
1985
Daily Mail 31 January 8 February
The Guardian 11 February 11 February
Morning Star 16 February 16 February
The Sun 18 March 26 March