HC Deb 14 February 1996 vol 271 c636W
Sir David Mitchell

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to make available copies of the Scott report on 15 February. [15645]

Mr. Lang

In view of the exceptional size of, and interest in, Sir Richard Scott's report, the arrangements for the distribution of copies to hon. Members have been agreed by the Government, the Speaker and the House authorities. The following arrangements will apply:(a) copies will be available from the Reasons Room at the back of the Chair as well as from the Vote Office; (b) under the Speaker's authority, the sitting will be suspended at 3.30 pm for 10 minutes for facilitate the distribution of copies to hon. Members.

Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the cost of the first print run of the Scott inquiry report; how many copies have been printed; and what will be the availability of the report to interested parties abroad. [14832]

Mr. Lang

The printing costs result from competitive tendering undertaken by HMSO and are therefore commercially confidential.

Some 3,500 copies of the report will be delivered for publication; the position is being monitored and additional copies can be obtained at short notice.

HMSO mail order services operate for overseas customers. Orders will be accepted direct. HMSO also has a network of stockists and agents overseas, who will order publications on request.

Mr. Smith

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will ensure that copies of the supporting information for Lord Justice Scott's inquiry report comprising selected material from documents submitted to the inquiry are published as soon after the publication of the report itself as possible; and if he will ensure that the information is available in paper copy as well as microfiche and CD-ROM versions. [14831]

Mr. Lang

As soon as possible after publication of the report, the inquiry will be publishing the supporting documents in an accessible form.

Mr. Robin Cook

To ask the President of the Board of Trade on how many occasions since 1 January 1995(a) he, (b) Ministers in his Department and (c) officials in his Department have had contact with Lord Howe concerning his correspondence with the Scott inquiry. [14822]

Mr. Lang

[holding answer 12 February 1996]: As a former colleague, Lord Howe has kept me informed about these matters from time to time.