§ Mr. MilburnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions during the last 93W five years (a) civil servants and (b) special advisers in his Department, or its agencies have declared conflicts of interest; and how many instructions have been issued about their retention, disposal or management. [21387]
§ Mr. HowardNo central comprehensive record is kept of interests or holdings which are declared by civil servants in accordance with the rules on conduct and no special adviser has declared a conflict of interest in the past five years. There is a requirement on all staff, including special advisers, to report any holdings of shares or securities, or any other business interests, where a conflict of interest might arise. General advice about this is given in standing staff instructions and is updated from time to time. This is supplemented by local advice as necessary.