§ Q121. Mr. Harry EwingTo ask the Prime Minister what steps she has taken to ensure adherence by Scottish Office civil servants to the rules covering their communicating with political parties; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterAll staff in the Scottish Office are aware that civil servants must be impartial as between political parties. Very recently, as part of a routine updating of standing instructions, staff in the Scottish Office have been reminded of the importance of maintaining the principle of impartiality.