Written question asked by Stephen Twigg (Labour) on Monday, 19 December 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 10 January 2012. It was answered by Tim Loughton (Conservative) on Wednesday, 11 January 2012 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Email

Question: (3) used private email accounts to discuss (i) the free school application by Katherine Birbalsingh and (ii) any other free school application;

Answer: [holding answer 10 January 2012]: The Department seeks legal advice on a wide variety of matters related to its functions, and Ministers and Special Advisers discuss a range of issues using different media. Legal advice is subject to legal professional privilege and the Department does not routinely disclose whether or not it has taken such advice on particular matters. The Information Commissioner published guidance on 15 December 2011 concerning information held in private email accounts. The Cabinet Office is considering this and will issue further guidance to Departments.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 88075; 538 c317-8W
Session: 2010-12
Related items: E-mail
Tuesday, 1 May 2012
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Email Department for Education
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk