《No, Minister.(存一下英文版)》用其他笔名

15、[Interlude] S01E01.5 Cyril Astley’s Diary and Memos (22-24 January 1980)

　　MEMORANDUM
　　Department of Synergy Coordination
　　Ref: DSC/PO/MIN/IDISM/INT/001/80
　　To: The Secretary of State (The Rt Hon Charles Hyde MP)
　　Cc: The Acting Permanent Secretary (Mr A. Cavendish)
　　From: C. Astley, PPS
　　Date: 24 January 1980
　　Subject: IDISM Post-Meeting Points and Next Steps
　　Minister,
　　Please find below a report on the outcomes of yesterday's (23 Jan) first Inter-Departmental Information Sharing Meeting and the planned next steps:
　　1. Summary of Outcomes:
　　?? Attending departments have agreed in principle to establish a Dedicated Liaison Officer for Information Notification (DLO) mechanism, to serve as a fixed communication channel between the DSC and each department. Each department will designate a fixed liaison officer responsible for receiving information inquiries from the DSC and responding in accordance with their own department's existing procedures. This mechanism is non-binding, and the content and format of responses are at the discretion of each department.
　　?? Simultaneously, the DSC will be responsible for periodically compiling a 'Whitehall Information-Flow Overview', with content limited to public or department-authorised shared information, for circulation to attending departments and the Cabinet Secretariat. A quarterly informal tea will also be established, with no mandatory agenda and no formal minutes, to provide a relaxed platform for liaison officers.
　　2. Pending Actions:
　　?? Drafting and Dispatch of DLO Invitation Letters: A draft template has been prepared (see Enclosure B). Do you wish to add any specific wording to the template? Or authorise the Private Office to finalise and dispatch based on the existing template?
　　?? Submission of Meeting Report to No. 10: The draft report was completed last night (see Enclosure C), summarising the meeting's progress and the consensus reached. It is proposed to be sent to the Prime Minister's Office via the Cabinet Secretariat this afternoon. Does it require further amendment? Or do you authorise its finalisation and submission?
　　?? DLO Mechanism Operational Guidelines: A first draft is planned for completion within this month, covering the liaison officer's responsibilities, inquiry procedures, suggested response times, etc.
　　?? First DLO Meeting Arrangements: Proposed to be held within two weeks of the first batch of DLOs being in post, in the form of an informal tea, to explain the mechanism's details and establish initial working relationships. Will you attend personally? Or authorise the Acting Permanent Secretary to chair?
　　?? Compilation of Information-Flow Overview: The first brief is proposed to be a trial version, to be issued within one month of the first batch of DLOs being in post, for feedback before adjustment. The level of detail, frequency of publication (monthly is suggested initially), and circulation list (whether to extend to other non-attending departments) need to be determined. The Private Office has begun collecting public information.
　　?? First Quarterly Tea Preparations: The time is provisionally set for mid-April, venue to be determined, budget to be determined. Should attendance be limited to DLOs only, or should departments be allowed to bring relevant policy officials?
　　3. Other Matters:
　　?? Ministry of Defence: During his elaboration on data security concerns, Major Sampson of the MoD incidentally mentioned that "the South Atlantic patrol vessel's return to port was delayed due to 'coordination issues' regarding budget and maintenance." Should this matter attract further attention, or should any department actively seek the DSC's coordination, its value for coordination can be assessed on a case-by-case basis. However, at this stage, it is not recommended to extrapolate or intervene, merely noted for monitoring. The Private Office will continue to monitor media and Hansard for related mentions.
　　?? Department of Energy: Mr Perry of the Department of Energy remained silent during the meeting and did not offer any substantive opinions on any topic. It is recommended that this department's movements be monitored to assess its attitude towards the DSC's work.
　　Please review the above and advise. Should any adjustments or additions be required, please do not hesitate to let me know.
　　C. Astley, PPS
　　Enclosures:
　　A: Draft Formal Minutes of IDISM, 23/01/80
　　B: Draft Template: DLO Invitation Letter
　　C: Draft Brief Report to No. 10
　　Charles's handwritten annotation:
　　Authorised.