§ Lord Lamont of Lerwickasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the Deputy Prime Minister was informed in advance, or if not when, about the meeting on 21 October 1997 at which the Prime Minister and Mr Paddy Ashdown are alleged to have discussed among other matters the possibility of a coalition Government; and [HL154]
Whether Mr Peter Mandelson was present at the meeting on 21 October 1997 at which the Prime Minister and Mr Paddy Ashdown are alleged to have discussed among other matters the possibility of a coalition Government. [HL153]
§ The Minister of State, Cabinet Office (Lord Falconer of Thoroton)As with previous governments, it is not the practice of the current Government to provide details of private meetings.