vi.
Matters which are, or may become, the subject of sensitive negotiations with Governments or other bodies, including the European Community, without prior consultation with the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary, (see paragraph 37) or, in relation to domestic matters, with the Ministers concerned.
vii. Specific cases where the Minister has or may have a quasi-judicial or appellate function, eg in relation to planning applications and appeals, or where the subject- matter is being considered by the Courts, or the Parliamentary Commissioner (see paragraphs 38-39).
Where, exceptionally, matters such as iv-vii have to be discussed, application may be made for "sidelining" (see paragraph 51). There is no objection to saying in general terms why information cannot be given and it is very unusual for a Committee to press an official who indicates that he is in difficulty on such grounds in answering a question. If however this happens, it may be best to ask for time to consider the request and to promise to report back. Paragraphs 7 and 8 should be referred to.
Collective Responsibility
31. Departmental' witnesses, whether in closed or open session, should preserve the collective responsibility of Ministers and also the basis of confidence between Ministers and their advisers. Except in a case involving an Accounting Officer's responsibility (see paragraphs 9 to 11 and 17 of the Accounting Officers Memorandum, reproduced in paragraph C4 of "Government Accounting") the advice given to Ministers, which is given in confidence, should not therefore be disclosed, though Departments may of course need to draw on information submitted to Ministers. It is necessary also to refuse access to documents relating to interdepartmental exchanges on policy issues. Equally the methods by which a current study is being undertaken, should not normally be disclosed without the authority of Ministers, unless they have already been made public. Nor should Departments reveal the level at which decisions were taken. It should be borne in mind that decisions taken by Ministers collectively are normally announced and defended by the Minister responsible as his own decisions, and it is important that no indication should be given of the manner in which a Minister has consulted his colleagues (see also paragraph 36 on the special position of the Law Officers).
32. In no circumstances should any Committee be given a Cabinet paper or extract from it, or be told of discussions in a Cabinet Nor should information be given about the existence, composition or terms of reference of Cabinet Committees, or the identity of their chairmen, beyond that information disclosed by the Prime Minister in answer to a Parliamentary Question on
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