§ Norman BakerTo ask the Prime Minister if all papers under his control relating to the Hinduja brothers were made available to Sir Anthony Hammond as part of his inquiry. [5477]
§ The Prime MinisterI made it clear when I set up the independent review headed by Sir Anthony that all relevant information that he required would be made available to him. I also said that it was for Sir Anthony to decide on how he carried out the review, what papers and files he needed to see and to whom he needed to speak.
§ Norman BakerTo ask the Prime Minister if he will reopen the Hammond Inquiry into the application for passports by the Hinduja brothers. [5482]
§ The Prime MinisterSir Anthony Hammond has already carried out a thorough review of the issues. I do not think any further inquiry would be fruitful.
§ Norman BakerTo ask the Prime Minister (1) on what date(a) he and (b) another Minister last received a communication from one of the Hinduja brothers; [5475]
(2) if he will made a statement on his meeting with the Hinduja brothers on 24 February 1998. [5478]
§ The Prime MinisterIt is public knowledge that I and members of the Government have met members of the Hinduja family. Subject to that it is not the normal practice of the Government to release details of meetings or discussions with private individuals or companies.
§ Norman BakerTo ask the Prime Minister if he will place in the Library copies of(a) the letter to him dated 25 February 1998 from the Hinduja brothers and (b) the minutes from Jonathan Powell to the right hon. Member for Hartlepool (Mr. Mandelson) relating to the conversation between the Prime Minister and the Hindujas on 24 February 1998. [5479]
§ The Prime MinisterInformation relating to internal advice and consultation is not disclosed under Exemption 2, Part H of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.
§ Mr. LansleyTo ask the Prime Minister if his chief of staff wrote to the right hon. Member for Hartlepool (Mr. Mandelson) in order to communicate an offer of sponsorship for the millennium dome from the Hinduja Foundation. [5560]
§ The Prime MinisterIt is not the normal practice of the Government to release details of meetings or discussions with private individuals or companies.