§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Prime Minister if he will set out the basis for his practice of not making information available regarding meetings with private individuals or companies. [75673]
§ The Prime MinisterMinisters and civil servants meet many people as part of the process of policy development and analysis. All such contacts are conducted in accordance with theMinisterial Code, the Civil Service Code and Guidance for Civil Servants: Contacts with Lobbyists. Some of these discussions take place on a confidential basis, and in order to preserve confidentiality, it is not the normal practice of Governments to release details of specific meetings with private individuals or companies.