HC Deb 11 February 1985 vol 73 cc61-2W
Mr. Rooker

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many copies of the consultative proposals, "Nationalised Industries Legislation", were (a) printed, (b) circulated on 20 December 1984 and (c) circulated since;

(2) at what time of day on Thursday 20 December 1984 the document, "Nationalised Industries Legislation", was deposited in (a) the Library and (b) the Press Gallery, respectively;

(3) what Ministers in his Department have made statements and speeches since Thursday 20 December 1984 where reference has been made to his consultative proposals, "Nationalised Industries Legislation";

(4) if he will make a statement on the scope and scale of distribution of his consultative proposals, "Nationalised Industries Legislation";

(5) if he will extend the deadline of the end of February for receipt of comments on his consultative proposals, "Nationlised Industries Legislation";

(6) how many comments have so far been received on the consultative proposals "Nationalised Industries Legislation";

(7) why no press notice was published on 20 December 1984 drawing attention to his consultative proposals, "Nationalised Industries Legislation".

Mr. Peter Rees

Following earlier discussions with the nationlised industry chairman, a consultation note was issued on 20 December and has been made freelt available to all who have requested it. Copies are availble from a number of sources and because the note is not copyright it is not possible to say how many copies are in circulation. The note was placed in the Library of the House at 3.30 pm on 20 December following an answer given by me that day to a parliamentary question put down by my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle Upon Tyne. Central (Mr. Merchant) at column326. Simultaneously, 70 copies of the note were placed in the Lower Press Gallery and additional copies were sent direct to a number of national newspapers. In view of these arrangements it was not thought necessary to issue a formal press notice. I am not aware of any reference to the consultation note in formal statements on speeches made by Treasury Ministers since 20 December.

No formal comments have yet been received by the Treasury on the note but I understand that a number of discussions are taking place between sponsor Departments and nationalised industries. The consultative note sets a deadline of end-February for comments on the principles underlying the legislative proposals and I have no plans generally to extend this. I am of course willing to consider comments thereafter on the detail of any legislation we may introduce.