§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will instigate an inquiry into briefings given to journalists by Bank of England personnel within the period 15 May to 22 May on the recommendations on monetary policy actions which will be made by the Governor of the Bank of England at the next monthly monetary policy meeting; and if he will make a statement. [26452]
§ Mr. NelsonI have no reason to believe that the Bank has given briefings to journalists on the advice it intends to give at the next monthly monetary policy meeting; or indeed that the Bank would have formulated its advice so far in advance of the next meeting. The Bank has made it clear, as has the Chancellor, that such advice is confidential until released in the published minutes.