Oral Answers to Questions

Layla Moran Excerpts

Thursday 27th May 2021 Commons Chamber

[Michael Gove]

My right hon. Friend makes a very important point. We are currently reviewing, as part of preparation for new procurement legislation, exactly how we can ensure that there is a higher proportion of apprenticeships in contracts that Government allocate as well as making sure that the civil service extends the use of apprenticeship schemes, of which he has been such an effective champion.

[Layla Moran (Oxford West and Abingdon) (LD)]

If his Department will make it its policy to allow publication of the conclusions of recent independent investigations into potential breaches of the ministerial code.

[The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office (Michael Gove)]

The independent adviser on Ministers’ interests publishes an annual report setting out the work he has undertaken.

[Layla Moran [V]]

This week, the Home Secretary said on “The Andrew Marr Show”:

“I think at this stage…this isn’t about breaking codes and things of that nature. We’re all just getting on in government doing very difficult jobs actually.”

Given that the ministerial code sets out an overarching duty on Ministers to comply with the law, does the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster agree that even if a Minister does have a difficult job, they should follow both the ministerial code and obey the law?

[Michael Gove]

That seems to me a very good point—yes.