§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list all those in his office who have authority to issue public interest immunity certificates; how many such certificates have been issued in each of the last five years;and what were the main reasons for them. [1424]
445W
The Deputy Prime MinisterA claim to public interest immunity relating to departmental documents or information is normally made by the appropriate Minister. I have not, nor have others within the Office of Public Service, its immediate predecessors or executive agencies, signed public interest immunity certificates in relation to the Department or its executive agencies in the last five years.
§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list all those in his office who have authority to issue public interest immunity certificates; how many such certificates have been issued in each of the last five years; and what were the main reasons for them. [1393]
§ Mr. FreemanI refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister today.