HL Deb 13 May 1971 vol 318 cc1195-6
THE EARL OF LAUDERDALE

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will now publish the Severnside Study.]

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT (LORD SANDFORD)

My Lords, the Severnside Study will be published next week, on Wednesday, May 19, and copies will then be placed in the Library.

THE EARL OF LAUDERDALE

My Lords, in thanking the noble Lord for that reply, may I ask him whether it is the case that this document has sat on the Minister's desk since last June? May I also thank him for the prospect that, at least after a year and a day or so, we are going to see it?

LORD SANDFORD

My Lords, I am grateful to the noble Earl for his thanks. I am not in a position to confirm the purport of the first part of this question.

LORD LEATHERLAND

My Lords, will the noble Lord take steps to ensure that this document is "leaked", as every other Government document has been "leaked" in the last six months?

LORD SANDFORD

No, my Lords.