§ Mr. John Mooreasked the Lord President of the Council if he will issue instructions to all Government Departments to make policy statements orally to the House whenever practicable rather than in written form in theOfficial Report. 385W in order to allow Members the opportunity for questioning and to prevent the Executive from using theOfficial Report as a vehicle for publicity.
§ Mr. FootAll Ministers are aware of the desirability of making oral statements to the House where the content of the announcement merits it, but they have also to bear in mind that too many oral statements take the time of the House away from important business.