§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 24 January 2001,Official Report, columns 647–48W, on opposition policies, (1) on what occasions the Treasury has initiated such costings; and if he will make a statement; [147952]
(2) on what occasions since January 2000 the Treasury has been consulted by other departments on the costings of opposition party policies. [147953]
§ Mr. Andrew SmithI refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 24 January. The Treasury and other Departments have from time to time costed Opposition policies, and this will have involved discussions between the Treasury and other Departments. The procedure followed is consistent with the principles and practice established by previous Administrations.