Letters from Labour front bench spokesmen relating to meetings with senior civil servants before the election to discuss the machinery of a change in Government. Correspondents include: Josephine Richardson [Labour spokesperson on women’s rights]; John Prescott [transport spokesman]; [Joseph] Kevin McNamara [Northern Ireland spokesman]; [Stephen] Barry Jones [spokesman on Wales] on implementing Labour’s manifesto commitments on Welsh affairs (2); Mark Fisher [arts spokesman] (2); Jeremy Bray [science and technology spokesman] on subjects including lack of judgement amongst Treasury officials, the organisation of the science portfolio and appointing the director of the Central Statistical Office (7); Sir [Frederick] Robin Butler, Secretary of the Cabinet and Head of the Home Civil Service; John Morris [legal affairs spokesman and Shadow Attorney General] (3); John Smith [Treasury and economic affairs spokesman]; Robin Cook [health spokesman] on the organisation of the health portfolio; Donald Dewar [Scottish affairs spokesman] (2); Jack Straw [education spokesman] (2); [Winifred] Ann Taylor [environment spokesman]; Martin O’Neill [defence spokesman]; David Clark [food, agriculture and rural affairs spokesman]; John Major, Prime Minister, confirming arrangements for contacts with civil servants; William Reid, Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration.

Also includes: a note by Charles Clarke [head of NK’s office] on establishing a department for legal administration; memoranda from Lord Irvine [legal and home affairs spokesman], Lord Macaulay and John Morris on proposals for the office of Lord Chancellor and a Ministry of Justice; memoranda from Jack Straw on education commitments; notes on guidelines for contacts with senior civil servants.