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Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Labour). It was answered on Thursday, 17 November 2005.


Civil Servants: Publication of Memoirs

Question
My Lords, does my noble friend agree that the publication of Sir Christopher Meyer’s memoirs—DC Confidential—represents a serious breach of confidence which now makes his position as chairman of the Press Complaints Commission entirely untenable? As trust between Ministers and civil servants is vital for good government, will he and his colleagues now review and enforce the rules for both civil servants and Ministers?
Answer

My Lords, my noble friend makes very valid points. He is absolutely right. We firmly take the view that former civil servants must continue to observe their duties of confidentiality after they have left Crown employment. I am sure that that view is shared across your Lordships’ House.


Secondary information

Type
Oral question
Reference
675 c1187 
Session
2005-06
Oral question type
1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
Subjects
Disclosure of information Civil servants Autobiography Enforcement Publishing Press Complaints Commission Regulation Meyer, Christopher
Link
View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk