§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the President of the Board of Trade on how many occasions in the last, and current, financial year, consultants to his Department have advised him of possible conflicts of interest; on how many occasions he has issued directions to consultants to avoid or overcome conflicts of interest; and if he will place in the Library copies of the standard contract clauses covering these issues.
§ Mr. EggarThe information requested in respect of the first part of the question is not collected and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. There is a standard clause within all consultancy contracts which requests them to inform the Department should a conflict of interest arise. I have placed copies of the clause in the Library of the House.