§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many unminuted pre-arranged meetings have occurred between458W (a) himself, (b) Ministers in his Department and (c) his officials and representatives of the biotechnical industry sector since 1 May 1997. [74836]
§ Mr. Meacher[holding answer 5 March 1999]There have been no such meetings involving the Ministers of this Department. Although most meetings involving officials are minuted, my officials have, from time to time, had meetings with the biotechnology companies where minutes are not taken. However, these are always in pursuit of a clear remit from Ministers for specific agreed purposes. Information on the number of such meetings is not available.