§ Mr. Gordon Brownasked the Prime Minister (1) whether there is any precedent for a ministerial personal adviser retaining commercial links with companies whose interests relate to the remit of his Government work;
(2) whether Her Majesty's Government will lay down rules governing the declaration of business interests by personal advisers of Ministers; and whether she will prepare and recommend guidelines governing possible conflicts of interest with respect to ministerial advisers.
§ The Prime MinisterMinisterial specialist personal advisers frequently have a commercial, academic or other background relevant to the work of the Ministers whom they advise. They are required to avoid conflicts of interests between their business affairs and their work in a Department. It is for each Minister to ensure that the necessary steps are taken to avoid such conflicts arising. I see no need for further guidance.