Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she has taken to ensure that members of the Food Strategy Advisory Board do not have conflicts of interest.

FSAB members are appointed in a personal capacity to advise and inform the strategic direction of the Government’s Food Strategy based on their professional experience in the food and drink system. They are not appointed to represent a body, group or part of the sector. FSAB membership is unpaid and not political appointments.

To guide against misuse of privileged information and conflicts of interest, FSAB members are obliged to sign non-disclosure agreements and adhere to the Seven Principles of Public Life. Additionally, per the Terms of Reference they are expected to:

• Observe the highest standards of impartiality, integrity and objectivity in relation to the advice and recommendations they provide.

• Act in accordance with Government policy on openness and comply fully with the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information and any relevant legislation on disclosure of information.

• Not to misuse information gained in the course of their public service for personal gain or for political purpose, nor seek to use the opportunity of public service to promote their and/or their private interests or those of connected persons, firms, businesses or other organisations.

• Not hold any paid or high-profile posts in a political party and not engage in specific political activities on matters directly affecting the work of the FSAB.

• Refer any media enquiries about the FSAB and its work to the Defra Press Office.

At the first meeting a member joins they are invited to give a verbal register of their conflicts of interest, which are recorded in the FSAB minutes.