§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what rules apply to officials within his Department relating to the receipt of gifts from(a) private companies and (b) individuals; and whether those rules continue to apply during the contractual period between end of employment and the date on which private sector employment may begin, where such gifts originate from the future employer. [153258]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Department expects its staff to observe exceptionally high standards of personal honesty and integrity. Staff should not accept gifts which would or might appear to place them under any obligation to the donor, compromise impartiality or otherwise be improper.
After consultation with senior managers, staff may keep gifts with a retail value of less than £25. Gifts that have a value greater than £25 given by commercial or trade organisations or individuals must be surrendered. Alternatively, if it is considered appropriate to retain such gifts, staff must pay the Department the value in excess of £25. Any gift which has a value of £10 or more must be registered.
These rules apply to all employees of the Department; they do not apply after employment has ended.