With permission, Mr. Speaker, I should like to make a statement about the Stationery Office.

As right hon. and hon. Members are aware, the printing union S.O.G.A.T. has called a strike of its members today involving last night's shift. This has made it impossible for the Stationery Office to provide normal Parliamentary papers for today. I regret, therefore, that we have not been able to supply copies of HANSARD, but steps have been taken to see that the House has the papers which are essential for the conduct of today's business.

This situation is, in certain circumstances, inevitable. We are grateful to the servants of the House for the way in which they are carrying on their duties. Will publication be back to normal tomorrow?

I am grateful to the hon. and learned Gentleman for his comment. In answer to his question, I hope so.

As this dispute was foreseeable, would the hon. Gentleman represent to the Leader of the House that Ministers should not make important policy announcements in Written Replies during disputes of this kind, such as was made yesterday on industrial development certificates?

No doubt my right hon. Friend has taken note of what the hon. Gentleman has said.