§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he expects to make a statement on the future of HMSO. [2127]
§ Mr FreemanAs I announced on 17 October, we are currently consulting the authorities in the House and the other place on the safeguards necessary for the future provision of printing and publishing services to Parliament. I also announced that I have appointed Coopers and Lybrand to examine the options for the future of HMSO with a view to privatisation, and I am awaiting its report. I will be making a further oral statement when we have reached a decision on the way forward, which I hope will be before the Christmas recess.