HC Deb 30 March 1995 vol 257 cc723-4W
Mr. Milburn

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what conditions have been attached to the employment contract of Mr. John Bercow as special adviser to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury to avoid conflicts of interest with his previous employers and their clients. [15832]

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

There are standard terms and conditions for all special advisers. They are subject in this respect to the same rules of conduct as other civil servants, who must not make use of their official position to further their private interests or those of others. Where a conflict arises, it must be declared.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the precise terms of John Bercow's appointment to be his special adviser; and what pecuniary interests he retains in public relations companies. [15759]

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

Mr. John Bercow took up appointment as special adviser to the Chief Secretary on 20 March 1995. There are standard terms and conditions for all special advisers, based on those for other civil servants. In particular, the general principles of conduct for civil servants—that is, relating to business interests or shareholdings—apply to special advisers. Mr. Bercow has retained no pecuniary interest in any public relations company.

present, in 1994 prices (a) the total budget of the European Community, (b) the total cost of the common agricultural policy, (c) Britain's gross contribution to the EC budget, (d) Britain's net contribution to the EC budget and (e) total payments to British farmers from the common agricultural policy. [16857]

Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

The information requested is shown in the table: