Written question asked by Eric Forth (Conservative) on Tuesday, 20 October 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 27 October 1998. It was answered by Lord Mandelson (Labour) on Tuesday, 27 October 1998 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his Answer of 19th October 1998 at 317 c1050W, and the recommendations in the Fifth Report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life concerning blind trusts, if an alternative arrangement to the blind trust for Lord Sainsbury's shareholdings will be made.

Answer: Mr. Forth: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 19 October 1998, Official Report, column 1050 and the recommendations in the Fifth report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life concerning blind trusts, if an alternative arrangement to the blind trust for Lord Sainsbury's shareholdings will be made. [56377] Mr. Mandelson: No. The blind trust for Lord Sainsbury's shareholdings was set up in accordance with the guidance in the Ministerial Code as one of the means of avoiding actual or potential conflicts of interest between a Minister's public responsibilities and private interests. The recommendations in the Fifth Report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life do not require any changes in blind trusts of this type.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 56377; 318 c134W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Conflict of interests Business interests Ministers Trusts Sainsbury of Turville, Lord