§ Pete WishartTo ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many times he has visited Scotland on official duties each year since 2000; and what meetings were held on each occasion. [103622]
§ Mr. AlexanderSince joining the Cabinet Office in June 2002 I have not visited Scotland on Cabinet Office business, but my right hon. Friend the Lord Macdonald of Tradeston had one official Cabinet Office business trip in 2001 and one in 2002.
959WHowever in line with exemptions 2 and 7 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, it is not the normal practice of Governments to release details of specific meetings or their content, as some of these discussions may have taken place on a confidential basis.
§ Pete WishartTo ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what plans Ministers in the Department have to(a) visit Scotland on official business, (b) announce public appointments and (c) make ministerial announcements in April; and whether officers in Government Departments are permitted to collate briefings for Ministers for election campaign debates. [103668]
§ Mr. AlexanderDepartmental business during the campaign period preceding elections to the Scottish Parliament, will be conducted in accordance with the Guidance on Conduct for Civil Servants in UK Departments in respect of elections to the Scottish Parliament, National Assembly for Wales and English local authorities, published by the Cabinet Office on 10 March.
Copies were placed in the Libraries of the House.