Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Prime Minister, with reference to paragraph 4.10 of the ministerial code, on what date she approved the arrangements for superintending the work of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the absence of the Foreign Secretary due to his visit to Afghanistan on 25 June 2018.

Permission was not necessary as my Right Hon Friend the Foreign Secretary was not absent from his Ministerial duties. He was on an official visit as part of his Ministerial role.

Arrangements during absence from London

4.9 Departments should ensure appropriate arrangements are made for Ministerial cover when Ministers are absent from London.

4.10 The Prime Minister’s prior approval should be sought for the arrangements for superintending the work of a department when the Minister in charge will be absent. Special care must be taken over the exercise of statutory powers. Ministers should seek legal advice in cases of doubt.