HL Deb 31 January 2000 vol 609 cc13-4WA
The Earl of Northesk

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What measures they have in place to ensure that the output of (a) the Government Information and Communication Service and (b) the Strategic Communications Unit is factual in tone rather than propagandist. [HL647]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

Members of the GICS are permanent civil servants and are governed by the rules laid out in the Civil Service Code. In addition they work to the guidance on the work of the GIS. The guidance was reissued with the authority of the Prime Minister in July 1997. The Strategic Communication Unit is made up of six permanent Civil Servants and two special advisers, all of whom work to the Civil Service Code. In addition, the special advisers are governed by the model contract for special advisers.

Copies of all the papers mentioned have been placed in the Library.