§ Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Prime Minister what financial and other interests have to be surrendered by Members of Parliament who are appointed Ministers; how much time is allowed between their appointment and the moment when they must have divested themselves of their other interests; and what procedure is followed to ensure that they have taken the necessary action.
§ The Prime MinisterMinisters, on assuming office, are required to ensure that no conflict arises between their private interests and public duties. Such a conflict may arise if a Minister takes an active part in any undertaking which may have contractual or other relations with a Government Department. It may arise not only if the Minister has a financial interest in such an undertaking but also if he is actively associated with any body, even of a philanthropic character, which might have negotiations or other dealings236W with the Government or be in dispute with it.
The principles are clear enough and each Minister must decide how they apply to his individual circumstances. Any cases of doubt are submitted to me for my direction.