§ Gregory BarkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what guidance her Department has issued on the(a) formal and (b)> informal interaction between civil servants and commercial lobbyists. [137267]
§ Alun MichaelMatters of propriety and conduct such as formal and informal interaction between employees of Defra and commercial lobbyists are covered by the general requirements of the Civil Service Code. The Code, along with further detailed guidance and advice is reproduced in the department's staff handbooks. The Cabinet Office also issued formal guidance on contact with lobbyists and this was made available to ex-MAFF staff via Office Notice and is replicated in the ex-DETR Staff Handbook.