§ Mr. LilleyTo ask the Prime Minister if he will publish the guidelines currently used by Ministers and officials on the manner of responding to written parliamentary questions indicating any changes made since 7 May 1997. [42039]
§ The Prime Minister[holding answer 14 May 1998]: Guidance to Ministers on their responsibilities to Parliament is set out in the Ministerial Code.
Guidance to officials on drafting answers to Parliamentary Questions, including the responsibilities of civil servants to help Ministers fulfil their obligations, was set out as part of the then Government's response to the Public Service Committee's Report on "Ministerial Accountability and Responsibility" in November 1996. This advice has not altered. Copies of both documents are available in the Libraries of the House.