HL Deb 03 April 2000 vol 611 c109WA
The Earl of Northesk

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Prime Minister is content with recent press coverage of health and other issues. [HL1435]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

The Prime Minister is not accountable to Parliament for the performance of the press.

The Earl of Northesk

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Prime Minister's chief press secretary has, in any official capacity, expressed an opinion, on behalf of the Prime Minster or of the Government as a whole, on recent press coverage of health and other issues; and if so what that opinion is.[HL1436]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

The Prime Minister's Chief Press Secretary has repeated the publicly expressed views of the Prime Minister, calling for greater balance in the media debate on the National Health Service.