§ Mr. Skeetasked the Prime Minister whether he considers that the practice of union sponsorship of Ministers should now be discontinued due to the likelihood of a serious conflict of interest developing between departmental responsibilities and union loyalties.
§ The Prime MinisterAny sponsorship which Ministers receive from trade unions will be in their capacity as Members of Parliament rather than as Ministers. All Ministers must so order their affairs that no conflict arises between their private interest and their public duties. This principle applies to their links with trade unions as for their other interests.