HC Deb 08 November 1999 vol 337 c424W
Mr. Baker

To ask the Prime Minister if the Press Secretary to the Prime Minister can issue instructions to departmental heads of information. [96339]

The Prime Minister

[holding answer 2 November 1999]: My Chief Press Secretary is appointed under Article 3(3) of the Civil Service (Amendment) Order in Council 1997, which provides him with the necessary executive powers to direct civil servants as appropriate.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the dates on which the Press Secretary to the Prime Minister has met departmental heads of information since 1 May 1997. [96337]

The Prime Minister

[holding answer 2 November 1999]: My Chief Press Secretary has set up a system of weekly co-ordination meetings between No. 10 and heads of departmental planning units and in addition holds strategy meetings periodically with heads of information to ensure effective co-ordination and presentation of Government policy.