HC Deb 25 April 1988 vol 132 c41W
Dr. David Clark

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Foods if, pursuant to the answer of 15 April,Official Report, column 259, he will state what practical definition his Department uses for (a) a press conference and (b) background briefings.

Mr. MacGregor

Press conferences are on-the-record and normally called to announce new developments. Background briefings are usually concerned with ongoing issues or when requested by individual journalists.