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3.
This gesture by the Clerk is extremely helpful to us and an example of the close co-operation we work to maintain with the FAC. It is therefore particularly important that:
(a)
(b)
4.
no public use is made of these advance copies; and
nobody who does not have a "need to know" (and certainly nobody outside the Office) is made aware that we have received advance copies of the Report.
Since there will undoubtedly be enquiries from the press, News Department should be given whatever briefing you consider necessary, within the constraints of the attached Cabinet Office Paper "Memorandum of Guidance for Officials" (paras 56-59 in particular). Briefing for the press should be low key and confined to background information which does not anticipate or prejudice the eventual Government reply to the Report. Questions about the Committee's recommendations will be fully considered and answered in due course by the Government's Official Reply issued in the form of a Command
Paper.
5.
If there is anything in the Report which should be drawn to the attention of Ministers, you should submit. Please
also bear in mind that Ministers and the PUS should be
advised if you anticipate press comment following
publication of the Report.
6. I hope to receive final confirmation of the publication date from the Clerk to the FAC no later than lunch time
tomorrow, Wednesday 28 June, together with details of the Committee's press conference which will take place at the time of the publication of the Report. PRU will, of course, pass on to you these further details immediately they are received. However, given the uncertainties of the
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