§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Prime Minister what standing instructions she has given to Ministers of the Crown concerning attributable statements of Government policy, or announcement of specific ministerial decisions, by civil servants; what changes have been made in this respect from the practice of previous administrations; and if she will make a statement.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweI have been asked to reply.
When civil servants make such statements or announcements they do so on behalf of Ministers, and Ministers are accountable for them. This arrangement has also applied during previous Administrations.