§ 38. Mr. MillerTo ask the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, representing the House of Commons Commission, what assessment the Commission has made of the effect of services to hon. and right hon. Members of the proposed privatisation of HMSO; and if he will make a statement. [7480]
§ Mr. BeithThe Commission's views are set out in the letter from the Speaker to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster which was published inHansard on 11 December, columns 455–57. That letter laid down a number of safeguards which the Commission consider necessary to protect the interests of the House in the event of HMSO being privatised. The Commission will continue to take a close interest in the progress of preparatory work for privatisation. In particular we will want to be satisfied that the safeguards are adequately secured by the contract to be drawn up between the House and a privatised Stationery Office.