§ Mr. FatchettTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the guidelines issued by his Department to regulate relationships with lobbying companies.
§ Mr. Waldegrave[holding answer 24 November 1994]: No guidelines are issued specifically about relations with lobbying companies. The conduct of Ministers in this respect is governed by the guidance in "Questions of Procedure for Ministers". The departmental staff manual incorporates the general principles of conduct that require civil servants not to misuse information which they acquire in the course of their duties; not to make use of their official position to further their private interests or those of others; and not to receive gifts, hospitality or benefits of any kind from a third party, which might be seen to compromise their personal judgment or integrity.