Ministerial Code

Lord Beecham Excerpts

Tuesday 3rd November 2015 Lords Chamber

[Lord Faulks]

There is no question of sneaking it through. It has been available since 15 October 2015 and this is the second time in a week that I have answered questions at the Dispatch Box on the Ministerial Code. It has also been the subject of much debate, as the noble Baroness points out, in the newspapers and elsewhere. Those authors she cites are entitled to their view, but it is not a view that I agree with.

[Lord Beecham (Lab)]

My Lords, if the change makes no difference why make the change?

[Lord Faulks]

I indicated that from time to time the Prime Minister may clarify duties, just as the Civil Service Code does. That is his prerogative. The duty on the part of Ministers is to obey the law.