HL Deb 09 March 1998 vol 587 c11WA
Lord Stanley of Alderley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether and on what basis secretarial support, expenses, legal assistance and the provision of support by counsel will be made available to (a) officials; (b) former officials; (c) Ministers; (d) former Ministers; (e) former Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food employees; and (f) former special advisers who wish to give evidence to the enquiry on BSE being chaired by Lord Justice Phillips. [HL784]

Lord Donoughue

The inquiry is responsible for setting the broad framework for the support of witnesses. Her Majesty's Government will lend support to witnesses who are former Ministers, present and former officials, or present and former members of advisory committees. This will include provision of access to papers for the preparation of written statements and possible subsequent oral hearings.

Provision of legal advice and support will be made at the discretion of departments. If individuals are unhappy with the decisions made by departments on the provision of legal assistance, they can make representations to the inquiry.