§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (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; [8111]
(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. [8112]
§ Dr. Jack CunninghamAs my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister explained in his reply to my hon. Friend for Newport, West (Mr. Flynn) on 2 June 1997,Official Report, column 99, Ministers and officials in my Department receive deputations from many groups which 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 and Government policy. As it is not practicable to distinguish particular groups as lobbyists, my Department cannot and does not keep a register of such meetings.