§ Mr. Edelmanasked the Prime Minister how many former Ministers, senior members of Government Departments, or senior members of public corporations, have joined commercial undertakings with which they have had official dealings within two years after leaving their official posts.
§ The Prime MinisterI regret that the information sought about former Ministers and senior members of public corporations is not available. As for senior civil servants, which I take to mean civil servants of Deputy Secretary rank or higher, they are required to seek permission to take up outside appointments within two years of retirement or resignation from the Civil Service. Ten have done so in the past year. I am unable to say how many of these fall into the category described by my hon. Friend.