§ Mr. Charles ClarkeTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to make better use of his Department's assets in accordance with the guidelines set out by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 24 November 1997 by generating receipts from commercial activity and developing relationships with the private sector to bring in necessary skills and expertise. [35135]
730W
§ Mr. RookerThe guidelines to which my hon. Friend refers puts the onus on Departments to maximise the value they secure from the assets they retain. The Executive Agencies of the Ministry undertake commercial activities where appropriate, and along with the rest of the Department will continue to seek new possible opportunities in the market. The operating, commercial and legal aspects will require careful consideration, along with the need to ensure that the independence of those undertaking regulatory functions is not compromised.
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to dispose of surplus assets of his Department in accordance with guidelines set out by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 24 November 1997. [35136]
§ Mr. MorleyIn accordance with HM Treasury guidelines, over the next three years my Department aims to dispose of as many as possible of those assets in the National Asset Register which are or will be identified as surplus.