§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many ministerial announcements have not been made, in the first instance to the House; and of those how many were(a) speeches to outside 661W bodies, (b) press releases, (c) press briefings and (d) made by other means, since 1 May; and if he will make a statement about his Department's policy in respect of making public ministerial announcements. [18895]
§ Dr. Howells[holding answer 3 December 1997]: The information requested is not readily available. Major announcements are made, in the first instance, to the House. There are cases, for example when the House is not sitting, when announcements are made by other means, including press releases.