HL Deb 27 October 1997 vol 582 c230WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether any changes have been made to the practices and procedures described in Cabinet Committee Business—a Guide for Departments published in December 1995; and if so, whether they will publish a current version of the guide.

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

Cabinet Committee Business—a Guide for Departments is not a published document, though it is available to the public in accordance with the principles of open government. Its purpose is to help officials working in support of Ministers in the preparation of Cabinet committee business. A new version of the guide, reflecting the code of conduct and guidance on procedures for Ministers published in July and incorporating the terms of reference and membership of Cabinet committees established since the beginning of May, is now being printed and will be distributed to departments shortly. I will arrange to send the noble Lord a copy.