Oaths of Allegiance

HL Deb 18 June 1997 vol 580 cc120-2WA

Lord Pearson of Rannoch

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the forms of words used in the oaths of allegiance taken by (a) Privy Counsellors and (b) European Commissioners.

The Lord Privy Seal (Lord Richard)

The Oath of Allegiance taken by new Privy Counsellors reads as follows:

"You do swear by Almighty God that you will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Her Heirs and Successors according to law. So help you God.".

The declaration made by European Commissioners at the commencement of their term of office reads as follows:

"Whereas, having been appointed to be a Member of the Commission of the European Communities by the Governments of the Member States of the European Communities, I do solemnly undertake:

to perform my duties in complete independence, in the general interest of the Communities;

in carrying out my duties, neither to seek nor to take instructions from any Government or from any other body;

to refrain from any action incompatible with my duties.

I formally note the undertaking of each Member State to respect this principle and not to seek to influence Members of the Commission in the performance of their task.

I further undertake to respect, both during and after my term of office, the obligations arising therefrom, and in particular the duty to behave with integrity and discretion as regards the acceptance, after I have ceased to hold office, of certain appointments or benefits.".