HC Deb 21 October 1975 vol 898 cc169-70W
Dr. Bray

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the publication of economic forecasts, access to the Treasury macro-economic model, and the undertaking of policy optimication work in the Treasury.

Mr. Dell

I have written to my hon. Friend on certain points concerning the operation of Schedule 4 to the Industry Bill as amended by the Lords.

There would be no question of the Treasury denying to other Government Departments facilities which would be available to the general public. The model and the published forecasts would include the important current price variables. An adequate forecasting model for the monetary sector is not yet available and it is necessary to await the outcome of further study before deciding on either the form of the model or the coverage of the Treasury forecasts.

The Treasury proposes to set up an advisory committee, under academic chairmanship, to consider the appropriate use of policy optimisation methods.