Does he keep notes or file records of the conversations he has with public service chief executives or Crown entity chairs in which he seeks information about public sector performance, and if not, why not?

Answer

The majority of conversations I have with chief executives or entity chairs are typically attended by officials and/or my staff, and recorded in my diary, which is proactively released. There are, of course, instances where I might have an informal conversation in passing. It is my general practice to pass any substantive matters discussed to my staff and/or officials.