§ Lord Pattenasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 17 June (WA 68), how, without publication of information on when Cabinet meets and the length of those meetings, they are able to demonstrate the existence of Cabinet government. [HL 5047]
§ Lord Williams of MostynSuccessive administrations have regarded the ability of Ministers to meet and discuss policy issues in private to be essential for effective decision-making. The number and duration of meetings is no measure of the success of a government. Besides, Cabinet government consists of more than meetings of the Cabinet. In addition to Cabinet itself, there are 52 Cabinet Committees and manyad hoc meetings of Ministers, together with a large volume of correspondence, all of which contribute to the smooth and cohesive running of the Government.