HC Deb 25 November 1996 vol 286 cc1-2W
Mrs. Clwyd

To ask the Prime Minister if he will appoint an officer directly answerable to Parliament to investigate the use by Ministers of the public interest exemption. [6002]

The Prime Minister

I refer the hon. Member to the Government's response to the Public Service Committee's report on ministerial accountability and responsibility, published on 7 November 1996. This makes it clear that if Ministers decline to provide a full answer in response to a parliamentary question, they should give reasons in line with the code of practice on access to government information. I do not believe that it would be appropriate for an officer directly answerable to Parliament to investigate ministerial judgments on the use of the public interest test as this would cut across the direct line of accountability of Ministers to this House.

Mrs. Clwyd

To ask the Prime Minister if he will institute a procedure whereby his office is informed on every occasion that a Minister declines to give information to Parliament on grounds of public interest. [6001]

The Prime Minister

No. Individual Ministers are responsible for the answers that they give to the House on matters which fall within their area of official responsibility.