HC Deb 25 January 2000 vol 343 cc146-7W
Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make it his policy to place in the Library a copy of notes taken at meetings between Ministers of his Department and officials from non-departmental public bodies responsible to his Department after each such meeting. [106693]

Ms Beverley Hughes

Ministers meet NDPB chairmen and others to discuss a range of strategic issues, including confidential matters. Implementing this proposal would constrain the full and frank discussion that makes such meetings useful. It will therefore not be policy to place in the Library a copy of notes taken at such meetings.

Mr. Waterson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the meetings he or his ministerial colleagues have had in the last 12 months with the local government network, listing who was present at such meetings and the topics discussed. [106818]

Ms Beverley Hughes

Over the last 12 months, Ministers have met many involved with local government. A wide range of topics have been discussed, including the Government's modernisation agenda and other issues which cross departmental boundaries. Such meetings will continue.