Civil Service Press Officers (Hansard, 24 January 2000)

HC Deb 24 January 2000 vol 343 c1W 1W

§ Mr. Peter Bottomley
To ask the Prime Minister if he will institute an inquiry into the reported remark by a civil servant to anEvening Standard employee concerning the consequences of the health correspondent continuing particular investigations; and if there are official guidelines concerning the acceptability of such remarks. [106037]

§ The Prime Minister
The Department of Health has already looked into the matter referred to by the hon. Member. I am fully satisfied that the press officer concerned behaved in accordance with the standards expected of civil service press officers.
A Working Guide for Government Press Officers
states that: It is the duty of the Press Officer to present the policies of his or her Department to the public through the media and to seek to ensure that they are understood.