§ Lord Stoddart of Swindonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Dubs on 28 April (WA 40), whether the minute of 4 March 1998 by Mr. T. Kelly, Director of Communications, which was circulated to Ministers and civil servants, was in conformity with the Civil Service Code and in accordance with guidance issued on the conduct of home and Northern Ireland civil servants during the referendum campaign. [HL2674]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Northern Ireland Office (Lord Dubs)During the referendum campaign, Ministers were properly entitled to campaign in support of a "yes" vote and to draw upon the support of civil servants, the scale of which was carefully circumscribed. The provision of a comprehensive information strategy, as set out in Mr. Kelly's minute of 4 March 1998, was a legitimate aspect of this support. I am satisfied that the advice submitted by Mr. Kelly satisfied the requirements of the guidance on civil servants' conduct during the referendum campaign and the Civil Service Code.