§ Baroness Denton of Wakefieldasked Her Majesty's Government:
On how many occasions it has been necessary for the Minister for Science, Energy and Industry to excuse himself from official discussions due to conflicts of interest; and, if applicable, what the conflicts of interest were. [HL390]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Sainsbury of Turville)As the answer in another place by my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to the right honourable Member for Bromley and Chislehurst on 19 October made clear, (Official Report, col. 1050) the statement I issued at the time of my appointment indicated that such conflicts were unlikely. This has proved to be the case, as there have been no occasions when I have excused myself from official discussions within my policy area due to conflicts of interest.