§ Sir Teddy TaylorTo ask the Prime Minister what central record is kept of requests by groups of hon. Members seeking to discuss issues with Ministers. [18153]
§ Mr. NewtonI have been asked to reply. So far as my right hon. Friend is aware, none.
§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government policy on official contact between civil servants and spokespersons in Her Majesty's official Opposition. [18138]
§ Mr. NewtonI have been asked to reply. Opposition spokesmen may request briefings on departmental organisation or policies, or in advance of overseas travel. Ministers would expect to be asked to give their authority for such meetings, and to be present if sensitive matters of public policy are to be discussed. Civil servants may also on occasions have dealings with Opposition spokesmen on Ministers' behalf; again, Ministers would expect to authorise such meetings.
The conventions relating to confidential pre-election contacts between senior civil servants and opposition parties are described in a memorandum submitted to the Treasury and Civil Service Committee by the Cabinet Office in November 1994, printed at page 29, vol II of the Committee's Fifth Report, Session 1993–94. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has agreed that such contacts should be permitted from early 1996 in advance of the next general election.