Budget Leak Inquiry Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Budget Leak Inquiry

Paul Flynn Excerpts
Thursday 22nd March 2012

(12 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Gauke Portrait Mr Gauke
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I certainly agree that we do not want to return to the days when a Chancellor, in close co-operation with his special adviser, worked in a sort of secret bunker, not sharing any information with anyone, including the Prime Minister. That is not healthy, and, as we saw, it did not result in sensible tax policy making.

Paul Flynn Portrait Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab)
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Is not the most serious aspect of leaks the further degradation of ministerial code reform? The Public Administration Committee has been told by the previous independent adviser on the code that the Prime Minister himself is in breach of the code. If the Committee decides unanimously that the present adviser on the code is not fit to hold office, should Sir Alex Allan resign?

David Gauke Portrait Mr Gauke
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That is clearly not an issue for the Treasury. The Government will respond to the points that the hon. Gentleman has raised in due course.