Economic Information

HC Deb 04 February 1976 vol 904 cc665-6W

Mr. Norman Lamont

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make alterations in the amount of information that is made available to Parliament about the economy before he announces his Budget measures.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

I will let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

Mr. Norman Lamont

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will undertake to make available to Parliament such information relative to the Budget judgment as he has made available to the CBI and the TUC.

Mr. Joel Barnett

I cannot undertake to make available to Parliament before the Budget Statement information exchanged with the TUC and CBI in the course of confidential consultations.

Mr. Norman Lamont

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps the Treasury has taken to make available greater economic information to Parliament, particularly in forecasts, under the provisions of the Industry Act.

Mr. Joel Barnett

Publication of the forecasts as required under Schedule 5(6) to the Industry Act will be undertaken within the time period specified by the Act. The Treasury is working on the task of making the Treasury forecasting model available.