HC Deb 12 February 2002 vol 380 cc190-1W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what meetings(a) he and (b) his senior departmental officials have had with Enron and its subsidiaries in the last two years. [32430]

Tom Brake

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister on what occasions he and his Department have held meetings since May 1997 with representatives from(a) BP, (b) Shell, (c) Exxon-Mobil, (d) Enron, (e) Conoco, (f) Texaco and (g) TotalFinaElf; if he will state the purpose of each meeting; and if he will provide details of the outcomes and agreements reached as a result of each meeting. [33218]

Matthew Taylor

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what meetings have taken place between Ministers in his Department and employees of Citigate since 7 June 2001; and if he will make a statement. [32813]

The Deputy Prime Minister and First Secretary of State

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. Some of these discussions take place on a confidential basis, and in order to preserve confidentiality, it is not the normal practice of Governments to release details of specific meetings with private individuals or companies.