HL Deb 28 March 2000 vol 611 cc62-3WA
The Earl of Northesk

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they believe that the public have a right to open and frank probing of both government Ministers and government policy by media interviewers; and [HL1573]

Whether, in the context of freedom of the press and freedom of information, Ministers and their advisers should be permitted to define the scope and range of questions put to them by media interviewers; and [HL1571]

Whether, in the context of freedom of the press and freedom of information, the quality of political debate is improved by the practice of Ministers and their advisers being permitted to predetermine the scope and range of questions put to them by media interviewers. [HL1572]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

The Government welcome the opportunity to explain their policies and programmes to the public through the media. The media decide what questions to put to Ministers.