HL Deb 15 December 2003 vol 655 cc117-8WA
Lord Norton of Louth

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What training is provided to senior civil servants on the role, procedures and significance of Parliament; how long such training lasts; and what grades of civil servants are involved. [HL142]

Lord Bassam of Brighton

The Centre for Management and Policy Studies (CMPS) located in the Cabinet Office provides a range of training designed for civil servants and others which is described in a brochureWorking with Parliament. These programmes cover the role of Parliament and its place in the British constitution and specific areas such as working on legislation, parliamentary Questions and Select Committees. Courses and seminars specifically on parliamentary work vary from half a day to two days in length. Some include a visit to the Palace of Westminster. Since April 2003, 604 civil servants from all grades have attended these courses, of whom 59 are members of the Senior Civil Service.

Parliament also forms an important part of the programme on a number of other more general courses provided by CMPS for the Senior Civil Service, fast stream trainees and others. In addition, departmental training provision covers parliamentary business.

Lord Norton of Louth

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What guidance is given to officials in Bill teams on the procedures of both Houses of Parliament. [HL144]

Lord Bassam of Brighton

TheGuide to Legislative Procedures is available to all Bill teams, giving detailed guidance on all aspects of a Bill's preparation and parliamentary passage. A revised and updated version will shortly be published on the Cabinet Office website. The Centre for Management and Policy Studies (CMPS) in the Cabinet Office runs an annual seminar for Bill teams which covers the legislative process from policy to Royal Assent, including the procedures in both Houses. This is supported by seminars given to individual Bill teams by staff from both Houses of Parliament, CMPS, parliamentary counsel and the legislative programme secretariat in the Cabinet Office.