HC Deb 27 January 1997 vol 289 c119W
12. Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many times the Cabinet Committee on the Co-ordination and Presentation of Government Policy meets each week. [11124]

Mr. Bates

Consistent with the principle of collective responsibility, it has been the practice of successive Governments not to make public information relating to the proceedings of Cabinet Committees.

17. Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many people are employed in his Department to assist with the co-ordination of Government policy. [11130]

Mr. Bates

The co-ordination of Government policy is a ministerial activity. No staff are employed to support my right hon. Friend in this area.

18. Mr. Miller

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the role played by civil servants in the co-ordination and presentation of Government policy. [11131]

Mr. Bates

I refer the hon. Gentleman to my earlier answer to the question from the hon. Member for Barrow and Furness (Mr. Hutton).