Andrew Griffiths
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer to Question 15057, if he will direct the accounting officer of his Department to examine the appropriateness of the UK Film Council's contract with Portland.
[Official Report, 4 November 2010, Vol. 517, c. 912W.]
Letter of correction from Mr Ed Vaizey:
An error has been identified in the response given to the hon. Member for Burton (Andrew Griffiths) on 4 November 2010. It has been noted that the reference to APPC has been set out incorrectly.
The original answer was as follows:
Mr Vaizey
The Department has been assured by the UK Film Council (UKFC) that its contract with Portland was appropriate and consistent with Cabinet Office rules.
Portland has advised that it did not carry out any public affairs work for the UKFC, but did assist with media support, and for the purpose of transparency, listed the UKFC on its Advocate Policy and Public Affairs Consulting (APPC) client list.
In light of this clarification, there are no plans for the Department’s Accounting Officer to investigate further the appropriateness of the UK Film Council’s contract with Portland.
The correct answer should have been:
Mr Vaizey
The Department has been assured by the UK Film Council (UKFC) that its contract with Portland was appropriate and consistent with Cabinet Office rules.
Portland has advised that it did not carry out any public affairs work for the UKFC, but did assist with media support, and for the purpose of transparency, listed the UKFC on its Association of Professional Political Consultants (APPC) client list.
In light of this clarification, there are no plans for the Department's Accounting Officer to investigate further the appropriateness of the UK Film Council's contract with Portland.