§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Prime Minister what rule applies to Ministers; and who is responsible for registering gifts received by(a) himself and (b) other Ministers.
§ The Prime Minister[holding answer 2 March 1994]: Gifts received by Ministers who are Members of the House of Commons have to be registered in the Register of Members' Interests if they exceed £125 in value and if they relate in any way to membership of the House. Registration is the responsibility of the individual Member.
"Questions of Procedure for Ministers" provides separately that all gifts accepted by Ministers in their official capacity should be reported to the permanent secretary of the Department. In addition, it provides that any gift exceeding £125 in value must be surrendered or purchased at its cash value abated by £125. Since such gifts accepted by Ministers in their official capacity must be either purchased or surrendered, there is no interest to register.