asked the Prime Minister what representations he has received from the First Division Civil Servants' Association on the question of defence of civil servants accused of negligence; and if he will make a statement.

None, Sir, although I saw a memorandum which the National Staff Side, on which the First Division Association is represented, submitted to the Official Head of the Civil Service earlier this year. As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry made clear in his speech in the House on Monday, the views of staff associations have been taken fully into account.