§ Pete WishartTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport 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. [103621]
§ Dr. HowellsThe 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 UK 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 paragraph 12 of the Code of Practice on Access to Information.
§ Pete WishartTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans ministers of the Department have to(a) visit Scotland on official business, (b) announce public appointments and (c) make Ministerial announcements in April. [103655]
§ Dr. HowellsDepartmental business during the campaign period preceding elections to the Scottish Parliament will be conducted in accordance with the Guidance on Conduct for Civil Servants in UK Departments in respect of elections to the Scottish Parliament and National Assembly for Wales, published by the Cabinet Office on 10 March.