§ Q9. Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Prime Minister if he will take steps to ensure that, on retirement, top civil servants who have had access to information about private citizens are prevented from taking other employment in which they might use such information for private commercial gain.
§ The Prime MinisterSenior civil servants are required to obtain the assent of their Departments before taking up, within two years of leaving the Service, offers of employment from firms or organisations in contractual or financial relations with the Government.
§ Q20. Mr. Huntasked the Prime Minister what steps are taken to ensure that retired civil servants do not make use of confidential information acquired during their period in Government employment or take up employment offering to obtain confidential information about individuals or business organisations.
111W
§ The Prime MinisterAll civil servants are bound by the Official Secrets Acts, which make it an offence to disclose any official information without authority, even after they have retired. All officers leaving the Service are required to sign a form which reminds them of their obligations and incorporates a declaration that they have surrendered any official documents that they have not been authorised to retain. I am considering in the light of inquiries now in progress whether any further action is necessary; and will make a statement as soon as possible.