HC Deb 22 July 1981 vol 9 cc129-30W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister for the Civil Service, having regard to her reply to the hon. Member for Newham, North-West on 1 July, Official Report, c. 387, that no central records are kept on acceptance of hospitality by civil servants, how Departments satisfy themselves that the rules governing the acceptance of such hospitality are being observed.

1974/75 1975/76 1976/77 1977/78 1978/79
Great Britain 2.9 3.1 3.5 3.7 4.7
France * * 9.5 * *
West Germany * 0.8 1.0 * *
Italy 1.2 1.5 2.7 * *
Belgium * * 4.0 5.0 *
Netherlands * 0.9 1.3 * *
Luxembourg * * * * *
Denmark 4.1 * 2.6 3.2 *
Republic of Ireland * 5.1 5.9 5.4 *
Greece * 9.5 9.5 * *
* = Not available.

Mr. Hayhoe

The rules governing the acceptance of hospitality as laid down in paragraphs 9882–9883 of the Civil Service Pay and Conditions of Service Code are readily accessible to staff and if there is any doubt about the propriety of a particular invitation being accepted, these rules provide for the departmental establishment officer to be consulted. If the hon. Member has any evidence of a breach of the rules I will see that this is investigated.