§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Prime Minister whether he will instruct Ministers not to enter into any business 71W relations with outside business organisations which will financially affect their present or future incomes until such times as they have relinquished their Ministerial offices.
The PrimeIt is an established principle of public life that Ministers, on accepting office, take whatever steps are needed, including the termination of business and pecuniary interests where necessary, to ensure that no conflict arises, or appears to arise, between their private interests and their public duty. This principle is well understood; and no further instructions are called for.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Prime Minister whether the normal practice of Ministers and those holding Ministerial appointments of severing all financial connections with outside business concerns is applicable to entering into business negotiations for the sale of Ministerial memoirs whilst still holding office.
§ The Prime MinisterYes.