Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what guidance is made available to Ministers regarding the need to maintain, and appear to maintain, an open mind during Government policy consultations.

There is no firm guidance on this matter as each consultation is different; some will make a call for evidence on a topic and others will seek views on the details of a new Government policy. The Consultation Principles (copy attached), which are published on Gov.uk, stress the importance of targeting consultations at a full range of people, businesses and voluntary bodies affected by the policy. The guidance notes that departments should consider targeting specific groups and ensure they are aware of the consultation and can access it.