HC Deb 10 July 2002 vol 388 c990W
Norman Baker

To ask the Prime Minister (1) whether special advisers are permitted to amend draft answers to written parliamentary questions prepared by civil servants in order to add a political dimension; [67694]

(2) if he will describe the stages in the administrative process followed in his Office following the receipt of a written parliamentary question prior to the final answer being provided to the hon. Member. [67695]

The Prime Minister

As far as I am aware my Office follows the same administrative process for written parliamentary questions as used by my predecessors.

My parliamentary section identifies the questions from the Order Paper tabled to me. The section will then draft answers in consultation with other Downing Street staff, including special advisers, or commission answers from other Departments as appropriate. They are cleared by a senior civil servant and then sent to me for approval.

All answers are provided in accordance with the Ministerial Code, the Civil Service Code and the Special Adviser Code of Conduct.

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