HC Deb 19 November 1998 vol 319 cc706-7W
Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will list the factors which led him to specify particular policy areas as suitable for discussions with the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Mr. Beith). [60379]

Dr. Jack Cunningham

I have not sought to limit the scope of my discussions with the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed about our review of the work of the Joint Consultative Committee. However, policy areas which might be discussed at the Committee in future seem likely to be those on which the Government and the Liberal Democrat party have some commonality of agenda and approach.

Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will make it his policy to make public the agenda and minutes of meetings with the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Mr. Beith) arising from the agreement between the Prime Minister and the leader of the Liberal Democrats. [60381]

Dr. Jack Cunningham

No. These documents fall within the exemption for internal discussion and advice under the "Code of Practice on Access to Government Information".

Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many meetings he has held with the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Mr. Beith) since 11 November; and how long each lasted. [60434]

Dr. Jack Cunningham

I have had one meeting with the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed to discuss our review of the work of the Joint Consultative Committee. It took place on 12 November and lasted approximately one hour.