§ Lord Reaasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Earl Howe on 1 February 1996 (WA 119) whether they they will publish an updated list of civil servants who have been allowed to accept directorships of companies, giving in each case the name of the civil servant, the date of the appointment and the name of the company; and whether they still consider it appropriate for civil servants to hold such posts. [HL3900]
§ Lord Bassam of BrightonSince the previous Answer in 1996, authority has been delegated to departments and agencies by the Civil Service Management Code to determine in what circumstances it is acceptable for their staff to accept directorships and as such no central list of directorships is maintained.
Before assent is granted, consideration is given to conflicts of interest that might arise between the individual's areas of responsibility in the workplace and the proposed directorship.
This Government encourage the interchange of individuals between the public, voluntary and private sector and the benefits that can result for all those involved.