PARLIAMENTARY ANSWERS TO HONOURABLE MEMBERS

Early day motion 1694, tabled 23 July 2002 by Lord Stunell (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 26 members.

That this House notes the series of internal e-mails from the Department for Education and Employment, the Treasury and Cabinet Office that have shown instances of civil servants concealing information about the Government's policy and record from honourable Members, providing as little as possible in the way of factual information in order to frustrate scrutiny of the Executive; further notes that this revealed inconsistent application of the Ministerial Code and Cabinet Office guidance to Government departments on the answering of questions and, in particular, abuse of the cost rule; further notes that this evidence indicates difficulties in the maintenance of Civil Service impartiality; believes that the statement issued by the Department for Education and Employment and the Cabinet Office that they would reissue guidance to their staff does not go far enough; deplores the failure of the Treasury to seek to correct the deficiencies revealed; and calls upon the House authorities to investigate this evidence to ensure that this House is not prevented from undertaking effective scrutiny of the Executive.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 23, Plaid Cymru 2, UUP 1.