§ Lord Lukeasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the terms of reference for the Phillips Inquiry on BSE include a requirement that current and former officials of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food shall be called to give evidence to the inquiry. [HL787]
§ Lord DonoughueNo. The inquiry has no statutory powers to require people to help or to attend. However, my right honourable friend the Minister has called for all concerned to co-operate fully with the inquiry and has confirmed that serving and retired officials would be expected to do so.
§ Lord Lukeasked Her Majesty's Government:
In the event that officials of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food are not required to give evidence to the Phillips Inquiry on BSE but wish to do so on a voluntary basis, what is the procedure they should follow. [HL788]
§ Lord DonoughueThe Permanent Secretary has already informed all members of the department that they should feel entirely free to make representations direct to the inquiry. He has also publicised the inquiry's address and telephone number.