§ Mr. DavidsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what instructions he gives(a) ambassadors and (b) other embassy staff on making statements in (i) written and (ii) broadcast media; what particular instructions he gives about public comment on political matters when referendums are to be held in a country; and how he decides when the rules relating to comment on referendum campaigns should take effect. [84661]
§ Mr. StrawFCO officials who deal with the press are governed by the Civil Service Code and are guided by Cabinet Office advice to government information and communication officers (Guidance on the Work of the Government Information Service), both of which can be found on the Cabinet Office website(www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk).British diplomats are under instruction not to engage in any activity that might be interpreted as party political.