§ Mr. Richard ShepherdTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will ensure that all information which is made available to those tendering for the sale of public assets held by his Department is also available to hon. Members before any debate on such a sale; [38614]
(2) what steps he will take to ensure that all hon. Members have equal access to information about the disposal of public assets held by his Department. [38615]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotInformation that is made available to those tendering for the sale of public assets held by my Department is also available to third parties except where such information is security classified or commercially confidential. Such information may not be passed on without the prior approval of my Department. Access to information provided by those who are responding to tenders for the sale of assets is a matter for the company concerned. The release of information in either direction to hon. Members will be determined by their status in relation to the bidding company.