§ Mr. Lawlerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in the light of the announcement that a report on the privatisation of the Crown Agents is being prepared by a merchant bank, when a decision on their future is likely to be made; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RifkindI confirm that a merchant bank—Morgan Grenfell—has been engaged by my right hon. Friend to advise him on the feasibility of privatising the Crown Agents. We expect to receive its report shortly. This will require careful consideration, along with other options for the future of the Crown Agents. We shall reach a decision as soon as we are in a position to do so.