§ Dr. Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is proposing to write to all local authorities with a questionnaire seeking detailed information on their interests in any Companies Act companies.
§ Mr. RidleyYes. My Department has consulted the English local authority associations about such a questionnaire to provide a firm, factual basis for consideration of the recommendations of the Widdicombe committee on local authority companies. The four associations which have so far replied see no objection in principle to what is proposed.