Clarification to a "Times" report on 'Extensive preparations for EU talks in full swing'

Reference is made to today's "The Times" and to an article on page 4 entitled "Extensive preparations for EU talks ‘in full swing'".

The article contains a sub-heading consisting of the words: "Changes in ministerial portfolios expected" as well as a paragraph which reads: "It said the adoption of the acquis communautaire, the EU's body of legislation, would lead to a number of changes in ministries' portfolios".

It should be noted that no changes are, in fact, expected in ministerial portfolios. The Foreign Ministry hand-out referred to "reforms within the portfolios of most Government Ministries" and intended to convey the information that most Ministries would see policy and other reforms taking place within the departments falling within their portfolio.