Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the reply by the hon. and learned Member for Putney (Mr. Mellor), Minister of State in his Department, on 18 JanuaryOfficial Report, column 495, what criteria are used to decide whether discussions with foreign affairs departments or Ministers in other states are to be considered as confidential; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorWe consider all exchanges with foreign Governments to be confidential unless their details are publicised by mutual agreement.