§ Lord Faulkner of Worcesterasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many employees each of British American Tobacco, Imperial Tobacco, Gallaher and Philip Morris since June 1997 have been seconded to the Prime Minister's Office, the Department of Health, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Cabinet Office, the Office of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, HM Treasury, HM Customs & Excise, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Department for International Development and the Northern Ireland Office; and what role they play in the policy making and operations of each department. [HL221]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonAs far as I am aware, since June 1997, the only instances have been two inward secondees from British American Tobacco to the Department of Trade and Industry. Both secondees worked as export promoters, promoting UK trade to other countries, and have no involvement in UK policy making.
Departments and agencies are encouraged to undertake a wide range of interchange opportunities, both inward and outward, and with all sectors of the economy.
Individuals on interchanges from other sectors are subject to the Official Secrets Act and are required to observe Civil Service and departmental or agency rules on conduct, including the duty of confidentiality, and security. Individuals attached to departments under the interchange initiative are required to ensure that in the course of their duty there is no conflict of interest that will cause embarrassment to their organisation, or to the department or agency. Indeed, great care is taken when arranging these opportunities to ensure that no conflicts of interest arise.