Mr. John David Taylorasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why advertisements for the offers for sale of shares in state companies are restricted to newspapers published in Great Britain; why no such advertisements are placed in newspapers published in Northern Ireland; and if he will ensure that United Kingdom citizens in Northern Ireland are given the same opportunity to apply for these shares.
§ Mr. LawsonIt is a matter for the Government Department responsible for each sale to decide advertising policy for that sale. It is usual practice for offer for sale advertisements to be placed in several newspapers available throughout the United Kingdom so that all United Kingdom citizens are equally well informed about application procedures for shares in privatised companies.