§ Q2. Mr. DalyellTo ask the Prime Minister what guidelines she has set out to enable her private office civil servants to ensure that the appropriate distinction is maintained in the handling of party business and official business.
§ The Prime MinisterCivil servants in my private office observe the same guidelines as other civil servants.
§ Mr. DalyellIn that case, what were the facts of Mr. Powell going to see Mr. Black about the position of Mr. Hastings? Is it quite proper that a civil servant should go to see a newspaper proprietor about the position of an editor?
§ The Prime MinisterI would not accept all that the hon. Gentleman says or his interpretation of it. Civil servants in my private office have served Governments of both political complexions with great efficiency, conscientiousness and professionalism. That is a great strength of our system, and it is understood that we do not normally attack people in this House where they cannot answer back. I am certain that they will continue to carry out their duties in the highest spirit of conscientiousness and professionalism.
§ Mr. AllasonMy right hon. Friend will be aware that Mr. Dennis Payne, who recently conducted an investigation into leaks from Downing street, has given a lengthy interview to Thames Television, for broadcast this evening, which is being considered by the Independent Broadcasting Authority. Does she consider that to be appropriate? Will she give serious consideration to the IBA banning the broadcast on the ground that Mr. Dennis Payne had not been given permission to make those disclosures?
§ The Prime MinisterIf any people have given interviews to television as civil servants, they have cleared it with the Cabinet Secretary, who is head of the Civil Service. Matters concerning the IBA are for the IBA to reply on and not for me.
§ Mr. John GarrettWhy have the Government redefined the duty of a civil servant? The duty and loyalty of a civil servant has always been to the Crown. The head of the Civil Service has now announced that the duty and loyalty of a civil servant is to the Government. What fear or ambition has led the right hon. Lady to approve that constitutional change?
§ The Prime MinisterThe hon. Gentleman is not correct. The duties under the previous Cabinet Secretary were reissued, very substantially in the same form as previously, as the hon. Gentleman will find if he goes through them. Those duties are of course to the state, which means that they must serve the Government of the day.
§ Mr. DalyellOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the nature of the Prime Minister's reply, I beg to give notice that I shall endeavour to raise the matter on the Adjournment.