§ Mr. Higginsasked the Secretary of State for Trade what was the earliest time on Thursday 12th December at which any member of the Press received a Press notice issued jointly by the Central Statistical Office and the Department of Trade, giving the balance of payments figures; at what time the same information was made available to the House of Commons Library; why it was not made available there at 3.30 p.m.; and if he will take steps to ensure that similar Press releases are available to Members of the House of Commons at 3.30 p.m. in future.
§ Mr. ShoreThe usual release time, 3.30 p.m. At the same time, as usual, the information was delivered to the House of Commons for the Library.