HC Deb 29 June 1994 vol 245 cc551-2W
Mr. Fatchett

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is her Department's policy towards the publication of external consultants' reports in relation to market testing.

Mr. Jack

The Department's policy is to review the scope for publication on a case-by-case basis having regard to the code of practice on open government and agreed contractual terms covering commercial confidentiality. The Department may in some cases publish a synopsis of the report rather than the report itself.

Mr. Fatchett

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will set out the total cost of external consultancy fees incurred by her Department in relation to market testing.

Mr. Jack

Over the period April 1992 to date the total cost of external consultancy fees incurred by the Department in relation to market testing is estimated to be £684,000.