§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if it is the policy of the Prison Service to treat as a disciplinary matter an approach by a member of the Prison Service to his Member of Parliament about employment matters; and if he will make a statement. [139808]
§ Mr. Boateng[holding answer 23 November 2000]: The Prison Service's policy in this area reflects the policy for all civil servants in that they must not attempt to bring political or other influences to support any personal claims as a civil servant. However, this policy also makes it clear that this does not restrict a member of staff's right to approach their Member of Parliament.
I am quite clear that the restrictions on civil servants do not include restricting their right to approach their MP and am not aware of any case where a member of the Prison Service has been disciplined for doing so. The Prison Service Code of Discipline is currently being revised and we will ensure that this policy is clear to all staff.