HC Deb 01 December 1976 vol 921 cc192-3W
Mr. Michael Marshall

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will publish in the Official Report copies of the share register survey currently being conducted by his Department showing the questions asked from a sample of 3,600 shareholdings.

Mr. Les Huckfield

I will place in the Library a copy of the letter to individuals approached in the survey.

Mr. Michael Marshall

asked the Secretary of State for Industry how many organisations have refused to take part in the Department of Industry's share register survey; and what percentage this represents of the total sample.

Mr. Les Huckfield

All but two representing less than 1 per cent. of the 285 companies approached co-operated in the survey.

Mr. Michael Marshall

asked the Secretary of State for Industry when he expects to receive the results of his Department's share register survey.

Mr. Les Huckfield

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Louth (Mr. Brotherton) on 26th October.—[Vol. 918, c.182–3.]

Mr. Michael Marshall

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what is the cost of the share register survey which is being conducted by his Department.

Mr. Les Huckfield

About £115,000.

Mr. Michael Marshall

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will introduce legislation following the results of his Department's share register survey.

Mr. Les Huckfield

The survey is for statistical purposes only and is not intended as a basis for legislation.

Mr. Michael Marshall

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what conclusions he expects to draw from the share register survey which his Department is conducting.

Mr. Les Huckfield

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the Member for Wells (Mr. Boscawen) on 22nd November.—[Vol. 919, c.932.] I have today placed a copy of the letter in the Library.