§ Mr. Geoffrey Finsbergasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on how many occasions since 1st January 1977 information has been prepared by his Department, at public expense, along the lines of the Written Answers from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Official Report, 14th July, column 802; what has been the total cost to public funds; and if he will make this publicly financed information available to any hon. Members wishing to receive it, provided that they arrange to collect it.
§ Mr. John SilkinExact records are not kept but on a number of occasions background information has been supplied to Labour Members of Parliament at low 637W cost in official time. I see no reason to extend the circulation of information provided in this way but Ministers in my Department are always prepared to meet requests for information from hon. Members.