Written question asked by Ian Lavery (Labour) on Wednesday, 11 February 2015, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 February 2015. It was answered by Jo Swinson (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 24 February 2015 on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Rio Tinto Group

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, whether any former officials his Department have taken employment with Rio Tinto plc in the last five years.

Answer: The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) does not hold details of the future employment arrangements of all employees leaving BIS. The Business Appointment Rules (BAR) apply to civil servants who intend to take up an appointment or employment after leaving the Civil Service. These currently apply to members of the Senior Civil Service for two years after their last day of service, and for more junior employees they apply for one year. We have no record of any applications under the BAR for employment with Rio Tinto plc in the last five years.

Secondary information