§ Mr. Budgenasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about publication of the blue, pre-Budget, version of the Financial Statement and Budget Report.
§ Mr. LawsonThe blue version of the Financial Statement and Budget Report has traditionally been made available to Members on Budget day shortly before commencement of the Budget Statement. It has a very short life, containing only estimated outturn particulars of public sector and central Government transactions for the financial year just ending. All these details are repeated in the full Financial Statement and Budget Report available immediately after the Statement. Following extensive consultations it has been agreed that, in the interests of economy, the blue version should be discontinued.