To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his Department’s policy is on the announcing of statements to the media; and if he will make a statement. (140189)

[holding answer 4 June 2007]: Statements to the media are made in line with the Ministerial Code and Cabinet Office propriety guidance provided by the Government Communications Network (GCN). I have arranged for a copy of the recently revised guidance to be placed within the House Library.

This guidance can also be accessed online via the following weblink:

http://www.comms.gov.uk/Public_Website/guidance/propriety.aspx