Advisory Committee on Business Appointments/Ministerial Code

Ian C. Lucas Excerpts

Monday 20th March 2017 Commons Chamber

[Ben Gummer]

It has not in any way at all.

[Ian C. Lucas (Wrexham) (Lab)]

Will the Minister please refer to the advisory committee the dilemma that exists when a former Minister is given a particular appointment on the basis of his geographical location, but subsequently secures a further appointment that flatly contradicts the interest that he was meant to serve in that previous appointment? Can the editor of the London Evening Standard look after the northern powerhouse?

[Ben Gummer]

It is not for me to make that determination; it is for the independent advisory committee to do so, and it will make a recommendation to my right hon. Friend the Member for Tatton. I know that the hon. Gentleman wants me to say something controversial, but it would be wrong to undermine the process in the committee that is under way and to prejudice its decision by saying one thing or another.