HC Deb 29 January 1996 vol 270 cc547-8W
Mr. Salmond

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he first saw the press release of the speech he gave in Glasgow on Wednesday 17 January; and if he approved it before it was released to the press. [11950]

Mr. Forsyth

The press release was not approved by me but consisted of extracts from the speech which had been approved by me.

Mr. Salmond

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the names of those not employed in his Department who contributed to the drafting of his speech to the Glasgow Business Table. [11951]

Mr. Forsyth

Although I have advice and support from officials, my special adviser and, where necessary, others, my speeches are my responsibility and mine alone.

Mr. Salmond

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland at what hour and minute the original press release of the speech he gave to the meeting of the Glasgow Business Table on 17 January was released; when it was withdrawn; and when the second draft of the press release was released. [11952]

Mr. Forsyth

I understand that the original press release started issuing at 10.30 am and the withdrawal and release of the second press release finished transmission at 12.49 pm.

Mr. Salmond

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what factors underlay his decision to withdraw the original press release of his speech to a meeting of the Glasgow business Table on 17 January. [11953]

Mr. Forsyth

The decision to withdraw the original press release was made by staff of the Scottish Office information directorate as soon as they realised that they had made an error.

Mr. Salmond

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the compliance of his second press release on his speech to the Glasgow Business Table with the central Government conventions on publicity and advertising. [11948]

Mr. Forsyth

None. This is a matter in which I rely on official advice.