§ Sir John Wellsasked the Lord Privy Seal why no A4 papers have been available in the main photocopying room below the Chamber of the House for the first two days after the return of the House on 13 January; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BiffenI regret that no stocks of A4 photocopying paper were available on 13 January for the copying machines below the Chamber. I understand that stocks were checked on Wednesday 8 January and found to be adequate; but between then and Friday 10 January the total reserve of some 20 boxes was removed from the store by persons unknown. A fresh supply was ordered as soon as possible after the loss was discovered, and became available on Tuesday 14 January. The Deliverer of the Vote is reviewing the security of photocopying paper stocks as a result of this incident.