HC Deb 18 March 1980 vol 981 cc173-4W
26. Mr. Haselhurst

asked the Secretary of State for Employment when he intends to meet the chairman of the Manpower Services Commission.

Mr. Jim Lester

My right hon. Friend has no immediate plans to meet the chairman of the MSC, but we are in frequent contact on a wide range of matters.

32. Mr. Marks

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what limitations are placed on civil servants in the Manpower Services Commission when writing to their Members of Parliament.

Mr. Mayhew

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that no limitations apply to its staff when writing to their Members of Parliament other than those that apply to all civil servants and are part of their conditions of service.

When writing to Members of Parliament civil servants are required not to disclose official information, unless they have received official permission, or to bring political influence to support their own personal claims as civil servants. These rules are designed to maintain the impartiality and integrity of the service and do not controvert the right of a civil servant to approach his Member of Parliament.