§ Mr. Englishasked the Prime Minister what are the present rules applying to the acceptance by Ministers of gifts.
§ The Prime MinisterIt is a well-established and recognised rule that no Minister should accept gifts from anyone which would, or might appear to, place him or her under an obligation. The detailed rules, of which Ministers are advised when taking office, are similar to those governing the acceptance of gifts by civil servants, which are contained in the Civil Service Pay and Conditions Code (paragraphs 9882 to 9893), a copy of which is in the Library.