§ 1. Mr. Martenasked the Paymaster-General if she will make a statement on progress with the participation of the individual in the decision-making processes of national democracy.
§ 16. Mr. Barnesasked the Paymaster-General if she will make a statement on her policy regarding public participation in Government as distinct from decentralisation on devolution.
§ The Paymaster-General (Mrs. Judith Hart)I have no statement on policy to make at present, nor do I expect to be in a position to make one for some little time. I am at present gathering information together about existing facilities for public involvement in the development and administration of public policy at various levels, and how they work in practice. I have also commissioned some research on the subject. I shall naturally wish to keep the House fully informed of future progress.
§ Mr. MartenOn the basis of charity beginning at home, will the Minister press her colleagues to make available to Members of Parliament all the documents submitted to the National Economic Development Council for the preparation and discussion of the so-called second National Plan, so that at least Members of Parliament will feel that they are participating in national decision-making?
§ Mrs. HartFrankly, I think that this is more a question for my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State 854 for Economic Affairs, but I am sure that they will note carefully what the hon. Gentleman has said.
§ Mr. DalyellWhat research has been commissioned?
§ Mrs. HartI have commissioned Mr. Ioan Davies of the University of Essex to gather together existing practice and machinery, because this is obviously the first stage for making an assessment about what further developments are required.