Ministerial Committee on Defence and Overseas Policy

HC Deb 15 February 1999 vol 325 cc522-3W

Dr. Tonge

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the members of the Ministerial Committee on Defence and Overseas Policy and publish the agendas of its meetings; and if he will make a statement on the circumstances under which other Ministers may be invited to participate in its meetings. [71052]

The Prime Minister

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Midlothian (Mr. Clarke) on 21 October 1998,Official Report, columns 1123–35. Other Ministers are invited to attend meetings as and when business requires.

In accordance with long-standing practice adopted by previous Administrations I do not propose to publish the agendas of the Committee's meetings. These documents fall within the exemption for proceedings of Cabinet and Cabinet Committees under the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.