Written question asked by Andrew Dismore (Labour) on Friday, 25 June 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 2 July 1999. It was answered by Marion Roe (Conservative) on Friday, 2 July 1999 on behalf of the Administration Committee.

Administration Select Committee

Question: To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee, if he will make a statement on the extent of use of paper containing acid for (i) the Official Report, (ii) House of Commons printed papers and (iii) other House of Commons documents of record; and what assessment he has made of the estimated durability and life expectancy of paper copies of (i), (ii) and (iii).

Answer: Mr. Dismore: To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee if he will make a statement on the extent of use of paper containing acid for (i) the Official Report, (ii) House of Commons printed papers and (iii) other House of Commons documents of record; and what assessment he has made of the estimated durability and life expectancy of paper copies of (i), (ii) and (iii). [89112] Mrs. Roe: The contract for the printing of the House's core documents (including the Official Report, Vote Bundle, Bills and Select Committee Reports) specifies the use of acid free paper of archival quality. The paper used has an alkali reserve of a minimum of 2 per cent., and an archival life in excess of 100 years.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 89112; 334 c284W
Session: 1998-99
Subjects: Conservation House of Commons Documents Paper Public records Official report