asked the Prime Minister what guidance is given to Departments with regard to the access of parliamentary private secretaries to classified documents, especially Cabinet papers; and what special action is recommended to draw their attention to the Official Secrets Act.

Ministers are advised that the official information given to their Parliamentary Private Secretaries should be limited to what is strictly necessary for the discharge of their parliamentary and political duties, although they may be brought into departmental discussions or conferences where Ministers think it appropriate. There are no special arrangements to draw the attention of Parliamentary Private Secretaries to the Official Secrets Act.