§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will publish the terms of the letter of confidentiality required to be signed by merchant banks, accountancy practices and other independent advisers to Government Departments when advice on policy discussion papers is commissioned from the private sector; whether the terms of that letter are standard throughout all Government Departments; when he last reviewed the need for advisers to be constrained in this way; and what were his conclusions.
§ Mr. WaldegraveIt is for Departments and agencies individually to seek appropriate assurances of confidentiality from those with whom they have dealings. The 331W terms of such assurances will vary according to the prevailing circumstances, including the nature of the official dealings. If my hon. Friend has a specific concern and will write to me with further details of it, I will pursue the matter further.