§ Mr. WilshireTo ask the Prime Minister if he will make it his policy to use the same definition of partner580W when deciding whether a Minister can be accompanied on an overseas visit at public expense by someone other than his or her spouse as is used in immigration cases. [25866]
§ The Prime Minister[holding answer 27 January 1998]: No. Where a Minister wishes to be accompanied on an overseas visit at the public expense it must be for official purposes; it must be in the public interest; and it must receive my prior approval.
§ Mr. ForthTo ask the Prime Minister if he will state, for the purpose of authorisation of ministerial travel, the definition of partner. [26691]
§ The Prime MinisterThe key principle governing travel remains the same as that which applied under the previous Administration: anyone who accompanies a Minister at a cost to the public purse, be they spouse, partner or official, must do so for official purposes; it must be in the public interest; and it must be with my prior approval. The Government will continue to adhere to this principle.
§ Mr. WilshireTo ask the Prime Minister when permission was first given under paragraph 83 of the Ministerial Code for someone not married to a Minister making an overseas trip to accompany him or her at public expense. [25772]
§ The Prime Minister[holding answer 27 January 1998]: It is not the practice to disclose details of Ministerial correspondence.