§ Mr. Duncan SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what advice his Minister of State received from the department's permanent secretary regarding his shares declared in the Register of Members' Interests. [74391]
§ Mr. DarlingI am satisfied that there has been no conflict of interest between my hon. Friend the Minister of State's shareholding and his Ministerial responsibilities. To avoid any suggestion of a possible perceived conflict in future my hon. Friend the Minister of State will, however, be taking further steps in accordance with the Ministerial Code. Responsibility is firmly that of the Ministers concerned, and any advice to them is personal.