§ Lord Tebbitasked Her Majesty's Government:
In what way the public interest was advanced by the presence of the partner of his press secretary on the Prime Minister's visit to Washington. [HL504]
§ Lord McIntosh of Haringey:The special adviser who provides support and assistance to the Prime Minister's wife in respect of her official duties accompanied Mrs. Blair on the trip to Washington. This is in line with arrangements under the last administration, where a non-career civil servant undertook such a role on overseas visits.