HC Deb 27 February 1996 vol 272 cc488-9W
Mr. Hain

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the cost of the allocation of persons in his Department to the consideration of the Government's response to the Scott inquiry. [16572]

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

[holding answer 22 February 1996]: Access to the report itself prior to publication was restricted to a very small number of officials in my Departments, in accordance with the procedure agreed with the Scott inquiry. However, the Scott report covered a wide range of policy issues and a number of other officials contributed to preparation of the Government's response without sight of the report. It is not therefore possible to give the cost of the work.

Mr. Janner

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how he responded to communications received from Mr. Christopher Muttukumaru; what were the dates of letters; and if he will deposit copies in the Library. [16547]

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

[holding answer 22 February 1996]: I and my officials have responded to a number of letters from Mr. Muttukumaru, for example, about my evidence to the inquiry in February 1994. Sir Richard Scott is free to publish any document he considers to be relevant to his report, consistent with his procedures. I understand that he proposes to do this as soon as possible.

Mr. Janner

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what communication he received from the Secretary of the Scott inquiry, concerning the time needed by the Opposition parties to scrutinise the Scott report; on what date he received such communications; what was the nature of the contents of the letters; and if he will deposit copies of those letters in the Library. [16629]

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

(holding answer 22 February 1996]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by the President of the Board of Trade on 22 February, columns 251–52.

Mr. Madden

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer at what hour and minute of which day the report of the Scott inquiry was delivered to his office. [16491]

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

[holding answer 22 February 1996]: At about 6 pm on Friday 9 February.

Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he first saw the report of the Scott Inquiry. [16581]

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

[holding answer 22 February 1996]: On 10 February, at about 10 am.