§ Mr. Derek FosterTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) if he will list the individuals and organisations he has consulted about the implications for the service provided to the House of the proposed privatisation of HMSO; and if he will make a statement; [5252]
(2) what further consultations he plans about the implications for the service provided to the House of the proposed privatisation of HMSO. [5253]
§ Mr. FreemanI, my colleagues and officials have consulted management and staff at HMSO, including at the Parliamentary Press, my advisers Coopers and Lybrand and those responsible for the existing arrangements in the House and in the other place on this matter. In addition, I gave evidence on the proposed492W privatisation of HMSO to the Finance and Services Committee on 21 November.
Parliament is HMSO's most important customer and the Government attach great importance to ensuring that all its requirements would be fully met by privatisation. My intention is therefore that all of these consultations would continue throughout any sale process, and I have invited those responsible for the existing arrangements in the House and the other place to be involved in the privatisation, including advising me on the selection of the preferred bidder.