§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Minister for Trade, pursuant to the reply to the right hon. and learned Member for Warley, West (Mr. Archer) on 21 February, Official Report, c. 657, on what evidence he regards the latest Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development forecast for the prospects of the United Kingdom's long-term recovery as being largely baseless.
§ Mr. Peter ReesThe forecasts of the OECD are the result of professional and sober appraisal, although like all forecasts they involve a substantial element of judgment. To misinterpret the forecast as saying that Britain's prospects of long-term recovery are being "irreparably damaged" is in my view irresponsible and largely baseless.