§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Prime Minister what is his policy regarding the provision of political information or advice by the No. 10 Policy Unit to people outside Parliament who have been invited to appear on television or radio programmes. [50069]
§ The Prime Minister[holding answer 31 July 1998]: Schedule 1, Part 1 of the Model Contract for Special Advisers sets out the duties and responsibilities of Special Advisers including their briefing role. In doing so, they are required not to misuse their official position or information required in the course of their duties or do anything which might breach Parliamentary privilege or offend against the conventions of Parliament.
§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Prime Minister how many meetings members of his policy unit have had with (i) Tesco plc, (ii) Marks and Spencer plc and (iii) Manpower since 1 February; and on what matters. [54494]
§ The Prime MinisterMinisters, their Special Advisers and other civil servants meet many people in the course of their work. This properly includes meetings with interest groups outside Government. This liaison is intended to help Ministers draw upon outside contributions—from academics, think-tanks, trade and industry associations, private sector organisations, trade unions and others, as well as relevant experience from other countries—during the process of policy analysis and development. But they must observe the requirements of propriety: for instance they must not provide confidential information without authorisation, or allow improper influence on policy. It is not our policy to make information on meetings or their content public.