HL Deb 06 June 2000 vol 613 c150WA
The Earl of Northesk

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Leader of the House on 11 May (WA 235), whether there is a register of interests of the special advisers currently employed by the Government; and, if not, whether they have plans to institute such a register. [HL2508]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

All civil servants, including special advisers, are required under the terms and conditions of their employment not to misuse their official position or information acquired in the course of their official duties to further their private interests or those of others. They should not receive benefits of any kind from a third party which might reasonably be seen to compromise their personal judgment or integrity. Where a conflict of interest arises, civil servants must declare the interest to senior management, who will determine how best to proceed. All such declarations are confidential between the employer and employee. We have no plans to make any changes to the existing system.