Written question asked by Lord Corbett of Castle Vale on Wednesday, 4 March 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 March 1998. It was answered by Baroness Taylor of Bolton (Labour) on Monday, 9 March 1998 on behalf of the President of the Council.

President of the Council

Question: To ask the President of the Council, if she will ensure that all documents released after a Ministerial statement are made available at Vote Office outlets throughout the parliamentary precinct at the same time as they become available in the Members' Lobby.

Answer: Mr. Corbett: To ask the President of the Council if she will ensure that all documents released after a Ministerial statement are made available at Vote Office outlets throughout the parliamentary precinct at the same time as they become available in the Members' Lobby. [33512] Mrs. Ann Taylor: No. It is a long-standing custom of the House that embargoed documents remain in the custody of the Deliverer of the Vote in the Main Vote Office until the time specified for release by the Minister responsible for the document's production, so as to ensure that such documents receive the secure handling they require. Documents which are not embargoed but have a special release time on them are normally available simultaneously in the Main Vote Office and in the Vote Office in other buildings.

Secondary information