§ Mr. Sproatasked the Minister for the Civil Service under what circumstances a civil servant can deliver a speech, to be publicly reported, which was originally intended to be made by a Government 398W Minister, as in the speech made on 27th June 1977 to the Howard League for Penal Reform by the Permanent Undersecretary to the Home Office; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Charles R. MorrisCivil servants have occasionally been authorised to read speeches on policy matters prepared for Ministers who have been prevented at the last minute from doing so themselves. The fact that the civil servant is reading the Minister's text is made clear. There is no conflict with the rules governing the conduct of civil servants in these matters.