§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Prime Minister why he has changed the rules that those Ministers holding ministerial office do not write, broadcast or take up other employment, paid or unpaid, while in office; and whether those Ministers who are now taking up other employment are entitled to receive and keep fees or payments for these activities, outside of their ministerial activities.
§ The Prime MinisterI have not changed the well-established rules governing Ministers' private interests or those governing broadcasts or writings by Ministers. As regards Ministers taking up other employment whilst in office, Ministers are not permitted to engage in private activities that might give rise to a conflict of interest with, or which might be thought to distract their attention from, their public duties. There is no prohibition on the retention by Ministers of fees or payments in respect of, for example, broadcasts or Press articles which are unrelated to and do not draw upon their ministerial position.