§ Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, (1) pursuant to his answer of 24 July 2002,Official Report, in what circumstances it is not appropriate to follow Cabinet Office guidance; and whether there have been written consultations carried out by his Department when it has not been appropriate to do so; [73933]
(2) pursuant to his answer of 24 July 2002, Official Report, what assessment he made of whether it was appropriate to follow the guidance in relation to the consultation in the pensions statement; and if he will make a statement. [73934]
§ Mr. McCartney[holding answer 15 October 2002]: As a general rule, the requirements of the Code of Practice on Written Consultation apply to all national consultations carried out by the Department for Work and Pensions.
It should, however, be noted that the Code of Practice applies to those consultations that cover
the whole area of a Department's responsibility …where views are sought from the public. The code makes clear that parts, but not necessarily all of the guidance it contains may be relevant to more limited consultation exercises, such as those seeking views from professional bodies or departmental trade unions, or consultation with local government. There may be occasions, for example on practical aspects of implementing technical legislation, where consultation is limited to those directly affected.