§ Mr. BowisTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans the Government have for the future of Her Majesty's Stationery Office.
§ Mr. WaldegraveHMSO has made great strides since its establishment as one of the first executive agencies in 1988. The 1992 trading fund accounts, published today, show a current cost profit of £6.5 million against a financial target of £6 million—the fourth successive year in which profitability has increased. In order to build on this growing commercialism, I am commissioning a consultancy study to explore the scope for further commercialisation of the operations of HMSO. The study will incorporate the review of status which is required periodically of all executive agencies. It will also take account of the Government's concern to ensure that Parliament, Departments and agencies continue to obtain value for money when purchasing the products and services provided by HMSO.