§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the officials in his Department who have declared a current interest; what requirements are placed on officials to declare relevant interests; in what form records of such declarations are kept; and if he will establish a central register of officials' interests. [16886]
§ Mr. BurtUnder the rules set out in the civil service management code, staff must report any interest, whether business, financial, paid or unpaid, which might conflict with their work in the Department. They must also seek permission before undertaking any outside activity which may result in a conflict of interest. When a member of staff reports an interest or seeks permission to undertake and outside activity, a local record is kept. Any such details are treated as confidential. No central records are held and we have no plans to introduce a central register.