§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department (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; [8079]
(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. [8080]
§ Mr. HoonAs my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister explained in response to the hon. Member for Newport, West (Mr. Flynn)Official Report, 2 June 1997 column 99, Ministers and officials in the Department receive deputations from many groups who are concerned to press their own interests of 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, the Department can not keep a register of such meetings.