HC Deb 20 November 2003 vol 413 cc1273-4W
Mr. Alan Williams

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what guidelines exist for officials in his Department, other than those in the Press Office, when they talk to journalists; [129708]

(2) at what level in the Department officials may be authorised to give non-attributable briefings to the Press. [129709]

Mr. Hoon

All civil servants are required to conduct themselves in accordance with the requirements of the Civil Service Code and the Civil Service Management Code. Guidelines for MOD officials on talking to journalists are also available and I refer my hon. Friend to evidence provided to the Hutton Inquiry on this issue.