HC Deb 31 January 2003 vol 398 c1078W
Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what briefings he provided to the media in advance of the statement made by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills on higher education, 22 January 2003,Official Report, columns 301–19, in respect of reports that the National Assembly for Wales was to be given additional powers over student support in higher education. [93720]

Peter Hain

I gave no such briefings. However, my Department did field media calls on the issue. After the statement to the House by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, I gave on the record interviews and issued a press statement.