§ Q2. Mr. Duffyasked the Prime Minister how many policy studies which he has initiated have now been completed but not published.
§ The Prime MinisterIt is our practice in appropriate circumstances to publish major Government decisions in White Papers. We have also published a number of Green Papers for public discussion. Policy studies on which White and Green Papers are based are normally of a confidential character and unsuitable for publication.
§ Mr. DuffyWill the Prime Minister say whether the Government will publish the findings of the Docksey Inquiry into the National Research and Development Corporation? Is the Prime Minister aware of the growing concern about the number of important policy studies that are being stamped "Secret" and filed away, in spite of his promises before the General Election? Does he not think this is a crucial factor in the general lack of confidence abroad as well as at home in the management and direction of the domestic economy?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not accept the hon. Gentleman's last sentence. Mr. Docksey's report is being examined. It deals with the general question of research and development on which we published a Green Paper and on which we have received a great deal of advice and discussion. The Government will publish a White Paper setting out their conclusions. On the hon. Gentleman's question of making information available, we have 1185 published Green Papers on local government finance, Government research and development, corporation tax, value added tax and estate duty, and the Chancellor has undertaken to publish a Green Paper before the end of the year on the tax credit scheme. This is a considerable range of Green Papers, which provide for discussion before decisions are taken.
§ Mr. AshleyThere has been an internal policy review by the Department of Employment on the employment of disable workers and I am reliably, though unofficially, informed that the review contains revolutionary proposals. The Secretary of State refuses to publish the results of the inquiry. Will the Prime Minister consider overturning the decision by his Minister?
§ The Prime MinisterAs I said in my original answer, very often policy studies which are carried out in Government, and not only in Government, contain a great deal of confidential information which is given by those concerned on the basis that it will remain confidential. It is not possible for Governments to work except by having this information. Therefore on each occasion the study has to be examined to see whether it is suitable for publication. It is right that wherever possible the Government should publish a Green Paper which sets out the conclusions put before them and the options open to them and should make it available for public discussion. In some cases it is put before a Select Committee of the House. I am sure that that is the right way of going about it.