§ Madam SpeakerI understand that Mr. Baker received no notification from the Department about the linking of his question. That has happened twice in two weeks, although on the other occasion it was a different Department. I am willing to call the question now.
§ 4. Mr. Norman Baker (Lewes)What plans he has to make public the work of the biotechnology presentation group. [86783]
§ The Minister for the Cabinet Office (Dr. Jack Cunningham)First, I offer the hon. Gentleman and the House an apology, because I understood that he had been notified; I am sorry that he had not. I am happy to answer his question.
In line with the practice adopted by successive Administrations, it is not the normal practice of Government to reveal details of internal discussions, a principle that is reflected in the code of practice on access to Government information.
§ Mr. BakerI understand that answer, but why, when he gave evidence to the Environmental Audit Committee, which was studying the co-ordination of Government policy on GM technology, did the Minister fail to mention in any of his written or oral evidence even the existence of the spin unit, which it subsequently transpired had been operating at the time of the inquiry? Does he agree with the Minister for the Environment, who told me in the House last week that the only way to engender confidence is to be as open as possible? Will he publish minutes of the biotechnology presentation group for us all to see?
§ Dr. CunninghamIt is not Government practice to announce or discuss ad hoc or even regular meetings of Ministers who get together to discuss Government policy. The hon. Gentleman already knows the answer to the second part of his question, because he has asked it before. The answer is no.