evidence is recorded verbatim. When oral evidence is to be given, it is advisable for Departments to send at least two witnesses so that they can divide between themselves the responsibility for answering questions. Because officials appear on behalf of their Ministers, Departments might want to clear written evidence and briefing with Ministers. It may only be necessary for Ministers to be consulted should there be any doubt among officials on the policy to be explained to the Committee. However, Ministers are ultimately responsible for deciding what information is to be given and for defending their decisions as necessary, and Ministers' views should always be sought if any question arises of withholding information which Committees are known to be seeking. It should be remembered that an extended and unexplained delay in providing the evidence requested by a Committee may be interpreted by them as a refusal. If Departments are asked by Committees to undertake research work or surveys on their behalf, it may be possible to meet such requests by the utilisation of existing information, modified as appropriate. But if the new work involved is likely to be substantial, and the Committee has power to appoint its own specialist advisers (see paragraph 17), it may be appropriate to suggest to the Committee that it considers this alternative, or possibly the employment of private research agencies or universities.
Accuracy of Evidence
21. Officials appearing before Select Committees are responsible for ensuring that the evidence they give is accurate. They are reminded to take particular care to see that they are fully and correctly briefed on the main facts of the matters on which they expect to be examined. Should it nevertheless be discovered subsequently that the evidence unwittingly contained errors, these should be made known to the Committee at the earliest possible moment.
Informal Discussions and Social Meetings
22. Some Committees, in addition to taking formal evidence, occasionally conduct informal discussions or arrange to meet officials at social gatherings. When that occurs, officials should apply the same considerations as apply to formal evidence, because the supply of information informally can affect a Committee's report as much as formal evidence.
Status of Information Supplied
23. Once information has been supplied to a Committee, it becomes "evidence" and, subject only to the conventions governing classified information (see paragraph 48-51), it is entirely within the competence of the Committee to report and publish it
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