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Finance Bill

: We approach the new clause with much sympathy with its objectives, but like the hon. Member for Rayleigh (Mr. Francois), we are somewhat sceptical about the practicalities. The proposals seem principally motivated by a certain playing to the public gallery, not least because the new clause calls for the publication of something that, to my certain knowledge, has been a regular part of every Red Book for many years. I must point out to the hon. Member for Dundee, East (Stewart Hosie) that he will find a fairly extensive discussion of the Chancellor’s forecast in paragraph C49 on page 252 of the Red Book—and, indeed, a prediction by the Chancellor:"““Oil prices are expected to average $40.6 a barrel in 2005, in line with the average of independent forecasts.””" That is, of course, an assumption audited by the National Audit Office.