Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 29 April 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 7 May 1998. It was answered by Lord Clark of Windermere (Labour) on Thursday, 7 May 1998 on behalf of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, pursuant to paragraph 57 of the Report of the Working Group on the Government Information Services, what guidance has been given in respect of how bad news can be dampened down.

Answer: Mr. Baker: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, pursuant to paragraph 57 of the report of the Working Group on the Government Information Services, what guidance has been given in respect of how bad news can be dampened down. [40675] Dr. David Clark: Paragraph 57 of the Report concerns the inclusion in policy submissions of advice on presentational aspects, of which dampening "bad news" aspects is cited as one example. No central guidance has been given or is needed: it is the job of the Government Information and Communication Service to provide effective communication and explanation of Government policy and decisions.

Secondary information