To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will provide to all Government-commissioned researchers a written undertaking of their right to publish completed work after three months; and if he will make a statement.

My Department strongly supports the principle of disseminating research findings. Every opportunity is taken to encourage the communication of these findings to those who might benefit. Practice varies according to the needs and circumstances applying in individual cases. For instance, it may be necessary to take steps to safeguard the confidentiality of information relating to identifiable individuals or institutions which may be obtained in the course of a research project. It is my intention that this policy should continue.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list research projects commissioned by his Department which remain unpublished one year or more after completion; and if he will make a statement in respect of each.

The publication of the reports of research projects is governed by contracts between researchers and my Department. The general policy of the Scottish Office is to encourage the dissemination of research findings by publication of reports or by other means. In no case is my Department standing in the way of publication of the finding of research projects which have been completed for more than one year.