HC Deb 20 January 1986 vol 90 c88W
Mr. Gordon Brown

asked the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on the events surrounding approaches by her press officer to the BBC about the appearance of Ministers on the BBC radio programme "The World this Weekend" on 22 December 1985

Mr. Winnick

asked the Prime Minister what is the practice of her press office with regard to making requests to the broadcasting authorities to provide advance information concerning the identity of right hon. and hon. Members who are to be interviewed; if this procedure applies to right hon. and hon. Members of all parties; and if she will make a statement.

The Prime Minister

As part of its co-ordinating function, and to amplify the information contained in theRadio Times and the TV Times, my press office has a regular two-way exchange with producers of a number of radio and television programmes. The objective is to establish the subjects the producers intend to pursue and the members of the Government they wish, or have arranged, to take part.