§ Lord Jenkins of Putneyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will consider whether it is proper for any Minister of the Crown to retain a share portfolio even if he ostensibly relinquishes control over it to a firm of stockbrokers or otherwise.
§ The Lord Privy Seal (Lord Belstead)As has been the practice under successive governments, Ministers are not expected on assuming office to dispose of all the investments they hold. They are given advice on taking up office of the steps which should be taken and the actions from which they should refrain in respect of any investments they may hold or acquire in order to avoid a conflict of interest. Ministers should normally take their own decisions to give effect to this principle in the light of that advice.