Written question asked by Baroness Hodge of Barking (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 21 July 1997. It was answered by Peter Kilfoyle (Labour) on Monday, 21 July 1997 on behalf of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

Question: Statement on what will be the role of civil servants in the referendum campaigns on devolution. - Inc fact that Government have today issued guidance to civil servants on their role and conduct during the devolution referendum campaigns. Copies of the guidance in Lib. (DEP/3 5189).

Answer: Ms Hodge: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what will be the role of civil servants in the referendum campaigns on devolution. [10247] Mr. Kilfoyle: The Government have today issued guidance to civil servants on their role and conduct during the devolution referendum campaigns. The guidance provides generic set of principles which individual departments can incorporate into guidance tailored to their particular needs and situations. It stresses that civil servants should conduct themselves in accordance with the civil service code, and is based on the need to maintain the political impartiality of the civil service and to ensure that public resources are not used for party political purposes. Copies of the guidance have been placed in the Libraries of the House, and are also available for the Vote Office.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 10247; 298 c390W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Codes of practice Devolution Civil servants Civil service Government departments Referendums Political impartiality