§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) on what dates since 1 May(a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have met commercial lobbyists to discuss matters relating to the business of his Department; and if he will introduce a register of such meetings; [8095]
(2) on what dates since 1 May (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have attended meetings with organisations representing (i) commercial and (ii) non-commercial interests organised by commercial lobbying firms; and if he will introduce a register of such meetings. [8096]
§ Mr. Tony LloydAs my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister explained in response to the hon. Member for Newport, (Mr. Flynn) West on 2 June, column99, Ministers and Officials will in the normal course of business receive deputations from many groups who are concerned to press their own interests or those of their clients, which Ministers and Officials take due care to consider within the wider public interest and Government policy. As it is not practicable to distinguish particular groups as lobbyists, we cannot keep a register of such meetings.