Covid-19 Ministerial Correspondence 2021-07-08
2021-07-08
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP seeks transparency regarding ministerial correspondence on the Government's handling of the pandemic.
If he will take steps to ensure that all ministerial correspondence relating to the Government's response to the covid-19 pandemic is made available to the forthcoming public inquiry.
As the Prime Minister has already confirmed, the public inquiry into covid-19 will be established under the Inquiries Act 2005, with formal powers to compel the production of relevant material and to take evidence in public under oath. The Government will, of course, co-operate with the inquiry fully.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raises concerns about the use of private email accounts by ministers to discuss sensitive Government matters during the pandemic.
Can the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster confirm whether using private email accounts to discuss sensitive Government business is in breach of the Freedom of Information Act, the Official Secrets Act, the Data Protection Act or the Public Records Act, which make requirements on the use of Government information? Will he guarantee today that all Ministers' private email accounts will be available to the public inquiry into the Government's mishandling of the covid pandemic?
Any information that the inquiry needs, it will receive.
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Assessment & feedback
Whether using private email accounts for sensitive government business breaches specific Acts and guaranteeing availability of private emails to the public inquiry.
Deflection
Response accuracy