HC Deb 17 March 1971 vol 813 cc1416-7
37. Mr. Sheldon

asked the Minister for the Civil Service what further action he will now take to reduce unnecessary secrecy in the Civil Service.

Mr. David Howell

I have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Member on 24th February.—[Vol. 812, c. 149.]

Mr. Sheldon

Since the Prime Minister has stated that he is in favour of reducing unnecessary secrecy and having more open forms of government, will the hon. Gentleman say why the Public Expenditure White Paper contained no figures for the Revenue, and why no economic forecast which is known to the Government has been made available to the House and is not available today?

Mr. Howell

My hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury explained to the House on 22nd Februaiy why no projections were given, and he went on to say that if they had been they would not have been of much help to the House. My right hon. Friend's commitment to more explanation and more open government has been demonstrated clearly by the decision to investigate Section 2 of the Official Secrets Act and also by the Government's firm welcome to the development of the public expenditure committee system.

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