HC Deb 24 June 1996 vol 280 cc8-9
9. Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the implications for the policy of open government of the evidence on parliamentary answers given by Sir Michael Quinlan to the Scott inquiry. [32612]

Mr. Freeman

The adversarial nature of Question Time does not detract from the Government's commitment to be as open as possible with Parliament and the public.

Mr. Dalyell

Why has the Deputy Prime Minister funked answering the question himself?

Mr. Freeman

I am sorry that the hon. Gentleman is not content. I am the Minister responsible not only for the code of conduct but for the rules that apply to all Ministers when they answer to Parliament. I am the Minister with day-to-day responsibility for the civil service and I have answered the debates on both Nolan and Scott. If the hon. Gentleman had wanted to ask a supplementary, I would have willingly replied inp—I hope—a constructive fashion.

Mr. Dalyell

So, may I have a supplementary?

Madam Speaker

No. The hon. Gentleman had a supplementary and I thought it was perfectly proper.