§ Mr. Strawasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when the study on the feasibility of the privatisation of the Crown suppliers by Samuel Montagu and Coopers and Lybrand commenced; what is the cost of the study; when it is expected to be completed; and what arrangements he intends to make for its publication.
§ Mr. ChopeThe study commenced on 1 December 1986. It will cost £97,600 plus expenses. It will be completed soon. I shall make a further announcement about the study when I have considered its results.
§ Mr. Strawasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the total amount of purchases by the Crown suppliers in 1985–86; and what proportion was British manufactured.
§ Mr. Chope£135 million, of which 96 per cent. was purchased from firms registered in the United Kingdom.