HC Deb 22 April 1994 vol 241 cc708-9W
Mr. Fatchett

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will publish the guidelines used to ensure political impartiality in relation to the Adam Smith Institute's "Economy in Government" competition; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Heseltine

[holding answer 13 April 1994]: The Department of Trade and Industry has no connection with the competition. Members of staff wishing to enter in a private capacity are still subject to the normal rules of conduct applying to civil servants including the duty of confidentiality and the need to avoid political controversy.