HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : Making the most of Public Sector assets – Publication of the National Asset register [November 1997]

The press release issued by HM Treasury on 24 November 1997.

The first ever list of the Government’s assets was published today by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury Alistair Darling.

In a statement, he said:

“Today sees the publication of the first ever National Asset Register – the 1990s Domesday Book. All 550 pages of it. For the first time ever the nation can see what it owns.

The National Asset Register is an essential part of the Comprehensive Spending Review. It demonstrates our commitment to greater openness and accountability. It will help ensure that the Government achieves value for money.”

Announcing measures to help departments get better use from their assets he said:

“Publication of the National Asset Register is a real landmark in open and efficient Government. It will be an essential starting point for departments to identify whether they are making best use of their assets.”

“Looking to the long term means that Government has to ensure that every penny of public spending is geared to delivering its priorities and objectives. The NAR is an essential part of that.”