TNAG-2254-FCO40-3238-Hong-Kong-Port-and-Airport-Development-Strategy-(PADS)-gene-1991 — Page 61

Travel Overseas

18. Committees often travel abroad in connection with their enquiries. The Clerk will in the first instance contact Parliamentary Relations Unit at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for advice on the timing and programme content. The FCO and the British High Commissions and Embassies concerned are closely involved in the organisation of these visits and someone from the overseas post will normally accompany the Committee on their calls. Meetings overseas are generally conducted on an informal off-the-record basis although formal evidence is occasionally taken. The PCO will ensure that Departments are aware of any proposals for overseas travel and will be glad to provide advice (Parliamentary Relations Unit, 270 2230 or 270 2231).

Ministerial Statements

19. It is desirable for Committees to be given warning where possible about impending Ministerial statements on matters which are relevant to specific enquiries which Committees are currently undertaking. A convenient method if the Minister is making the statement in Parliament is by way of notification to the Clerk at the same time as the Whips inform the Opposition, which is

This notification normally at noon on the day of the statement.

If the

to the Clerk would be of the fact that the statement is to be made, but not including the text of the statement itself. statement is to be made other than in the House, similar arrangements should apply, and should continue to be observed during the Parliamentary Recess or after dissolution of Parliament (see paragraph 15). ·

PROVISION OF EVIDENCE

General

20.

The general principle to be followed is that it is the duty of officials to be as helpful as possible to Committees, and that any withholding of information should be limited to reservations that are necessary in the interests of good government or to safeguard national security. Departments should, therefore, be as forthcoming as they can (within the limits set out in this note) when requested to provide information whether in writing or orally. This will also help to ensure that the reports of Committees are as soundly based on fact as possible.

Oral

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