§ Mr. JohnTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many civil servants in his Department are also directors or consultants in(a) public liability companies, (b) companies limited by guarantee, (c) building societies, (d) other friendly societies and (e) commercial undertakings other than the above; and what rules or instructions govern these activities with particular reference to remuneration.
§ Mr. Butcher[holding answer 23 May 1988]: Members of staff of the Department of Trade and Industry are not permitted in their private capacity to hold directorships (other than in small, private, "family-type" companies); or to engage in consultancy work which has a connection with official duties or is on behalf of a firm or concern which is in a contractual or other special relationship with the Department. Currently no member of staff has permission to hold a directorship or act as consultant in a private capacity. Permission is granted only if the directorship or consultancy does not require attendance during office hours; would not impair the officer's usefulness as a civil servant; and does not conflict with the interests of the Department. If permission is granted no restriction as to remuneration is attached.
As part of the Department's policy of encouraging and maintaining close links with industry and commerce, seven members of staff have been appointed in their official capacity as directors of public liability companies on a part-time basis. No central record is kept of consultancies undertaken by members of staff as part of official duties. Officials are not separately remunerated for directorships or consultancies, but expenses incurred on the business of the private organisations may be reimbursed.