§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Prime Minister if he will make it his policy to record and make public details of all formal meetings in the course of his official duties; and if he will make a statement. [125999]
§ The Prime Minister[holding answer 15 June 2000]: Ministers and civil servants meet many people as part of the process of policy development and analysis. All such contacts are conducted in accordance with the Ministerial Code, the Civil Service Code and Guidance for Civil Servants: Contacts with Lobbyists. In order to preserve confidentiality, it is not the normal practice of government to release details of specific meetings with private individuals or companies. This is in line with the practice adopted by successive governments.