f)
4.
Background notes should continue to be produced in the present format, as in the example at Annex C.
Deadlines
No 10 will normally ask PRU for briefing between 9.00 am and 10 am on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and their deadline for receiving briefing is always noon. It is therefore vital that Departments let PRU have the briefing by 11.30 am at the latest to give us time to produce the final omnibus version and to meet No 10's deadlines. This of course means that if one Department is late in producing material the whole briefing pack for the Prime Minister will be delayed. (Copies of all briefing are sent by PRU to the Secretary of State and Ministers).
5.
Revisions
Revisions must be kept to a minimum because of the manner in which briefing will now be presented to the Prime Minister. If there should be any need for revision after the main briefing has been provided, PRU should be informed immediately by telephone. Any lengthy revision must be retyped. No 10 will only accept revisions after 12.30 pm which materially affect the Line to Take; revisions of syntax are not acceptable.
6.
Briefing for the Lord President for Business Questions on a Thursday will also follow the same layout as Prime Minister's briefing and the same deadlines will apply.
7. May I suggest that departments revise their current "lines-to-take" as soon as possible to conform to this revised lay-out.
If you are in any doubt about these revised guidelines, please ask PRU.
8.
cc (for information) Private Secretary PS/Ministers
PS/PUS All DUSS All AUSS
SW Gregson
Parliamentary Relations Unit