Written question asked by Lord Morris of Aberavon (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 May 2018, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 30 May 2018. It was answered by Lord Young of Cookham (Conservative) on Tuesday, 22 May 2018 on behalf of the Cabinet Office.

Brexit

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government at what level in Government the drafting instructions to the Office of Parliamentary Counsel for the original clause 11 of the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill were approved; and whether they were approved at Ministerial level.

Answer: The policy for clause 11 of the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill, as introduced to Parliament, was approved by the Cabinet through the standard processes for collective agreement. Drafting instructions to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to give legal effect to this policy were approved at official level in accordance with normal practice. The final drafting of the clause was then collectively agreed by the Cabinet for introduction of the Bill.

Secondary information