Briefing from the Prime Minister s spokesman on: Business Summit and assisted suicide
Business SummitAsked about the summit that Lord Mandelson was hosting, the Prime Minister s Spokesman (PMS) said that the purpose of the summit was to focus on how the Government could work with the business community to provide prompt payments, particularly to smaller businesses. After the summit the department would issue a press notice and announce how many, and which businesses, had signed up to a code of practice for prompt payment.
Assisted SuicideAsked if the Prime Minister had a view on the televising of assisted suicide, the PMS said that this was clearly a controversial issue that deeply divided public opinion. The Government had made it clear that it was a matter of conscience and for Parliament to decide; it had been debated in Parliament on a number of occasions, although none of the private member bills had progressed further than second reading. It was not appropriate to comment on any particular case. It was for the police to investigate any alleged offences, and for the Director of Public Prosecutions to decide whether or not to bring a prosecution.
Asked for the Prime Minister s personal views on whether it should be televised, the PMS said that there was a Broadcasting Code, which had clear rules about the portrayal of suicide and it was for Ofcom to decide whether or not the code was being adhered to.
seen at 01:47, 11 December in Number 10 ยป News Stories.