§ Mr. Moreasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what procedures an executive officer in the Department of Health and Social Security is required to observe in seeking authority to publish or disclose official information; and what appeals to higher authority are open to him in the event of an initial refusal.
§ Mr. EnnalsAny member of the staff of the Department of Health and Social Security who wishes to publish or disclose official information must first obtain the consent of the Department. An officer's application must be submitted through his own senior officers but the decision is normally given by an officer at the Department's headquarters. An officer dissatisfied with a decision given on his application can ask for it to be reconsidered and his representations would be considered by an officer of higher grade than the one who made the decision. In the last resort he may appeal to the Head of the Department.