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Written question asked by Andrew Gwynne (Labour) on Friday, 20 April 2018, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 24 April 2018. It was answered by Tobias Ellwood (Conservative) on Monday, 30 April 2018 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence: Contracts

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his Department's policy is on the (a) employment and (b) involvement in any Ministry of Defence contracts of (i) spouses of Members of Parliament, (b) spouses of Ministers and (c) the spouse of the Prime Minister.

Answer

Civil Servants are appointed on merit on the basis of fair and open competition and are expected to carry out their role with dedication and a commitment to the Civil Service and its core values: integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) requires all Crown servants to make their line manager or Commanding Officer aware of any potential conflict of interest that arises during their service. The MOD requires the line manager or Commanding Officer to work with the Crown servant to take appropriate action to ensure that an actual conflict of interest does not take place.

In accordance with the Ministerial Code, on appointment to each new office, Ministers must provide their Permanent Secretary with a full list in writing of all interests which might be thought to give rise to a conflict. The list should also cover interests of the Minister's spouse or partner and close family which might be thought to give rise to a conflict.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
136906
Session
2017-19
Related items
Ministry of Defence: Ministers
Tuesday, 15 May 2018
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Contracts Codes of practice Employment Members Procurement Ministers Married people Ministry of Defence
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk