HC Deb 23 November 1977 vol 939 cc753-4W
Mr. Clemitson

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish a list of the abbreviations commonly used by his Department in parliamentary speeches, statements and answers to Questions, with their respective meanings.

Mr. Deakins

I regret that this information could not be assembled without a disproportionate expenditure of time and money. In answering Questions, my Department endeavours not to use initial letters and abbreviations unless the words have been previously used in the text, or unless the abbreviation is one in very common use, such as UK or NHS.

In speeches and statements, efforts are made not to use abbreviations which may be unfamiliar or confusing. However, Ministers in the Department will bear in mind my hon. Friend's point of concern.