HC Deb 15 July 1997 vol 298 cc95-6W
Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) on what dates since 1 May(a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have met commercial lobbyists to discuss matters relating to the business of his Department; and if he will introduce a register of such meetings; [8087]

(2) on what dates since 1 May (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have attended meetings with organisations representing (i) commercial and (ii) non-commercial interests organised by commercial lobbying firms; and if he will introduce a register of such meetings. [8088]

Mr. Straw

As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister explained in response to the hon. Member for Newport, West (Mr. Flynn), on 2 June,Official Report, column 99, Ministers and officials in the Department receive deputations from many groups who are concerned to press their own interests or those of their clients, which Ministers and officials take due care to consider within the wider public interest and Government policy. It is not practicable to distinguish particular groups as lobbyists, not least because some reputable and representative bodies themselves use the services of commercial lobbyists to advise them on government relations. Ministers are however always ready to provide information on meetings held with outside bodies.