§ Pete WishartTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many special advisers in the Department(a) have left and (b) will be leaving to work in Scotland for the Labour Party in the forthcoming Scottish parliamentary elections. [103619]
§ Dr. MoonieThe rules relating to special advisers' political activities are set out in the Model Contract for Special Advisers. Further guidance in respect of elections for the Scottish Parliament is set out at paragraph 13 of the Guidance on Conduct for Civil Servants in United Kingdom Departments, published by the Cabinet Office on 10 March.
The reasons for a special adviser's resignation are a private matter between the department and adviser, and are therefore exempt from disclosure under Exemption 12 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.
§ Pete WishartTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans ministers of the Department have to(a) visit Scotland on official business, (h) announce public appointments and (c) make ministerial announcements in April. [103653]
§ Dr. MoonieDepartmental business during the campaign period preceding elections to the Scottish Parliament will be conducted in accordance with the890W Guidance on Conduct for Civil Servants in United Kindom Departments in respect of elections to the Scottish Parliament and National Assesmbly for Wales, published by the Cabinet Office on 10 March.