HC Deb 09 March 1971 vol 813 cc234-5
20. Mr. Sheldon

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what economic forecasts he intends to publish in the Financial Statement.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

I must ask the hon. Member to await the publication of the Financial Statement and Budget Report.

Mr. Sheldon

But since the Prime Minister has frequently reiterated his commitment to open government and to a reduction in unnecessary secrecy, will the hon. Gentleman state that it is not his intention to depart from the practice of my right hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Stechford (Mr. Roy Jenkins) in publishing more information than had previously been published? Will he at any rate commit himself to maintaining those figures of economic forecasts which are available to the Government, have been available to the House and must continue to be available?

Mr. Jenkin

I understand the hon. Gentleman's concern in these matters. It is certainly my right hon. Friend's intention that the forecasts should be helpful to the House, but I am not prepared to go into detail beforehand on what they will contain.