Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether the Minister for Children and Families has completed any equality and diversity training since assuming that ministerial role.

On appointment, my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State received a letter from the Permanent Secretary drawing his attention to the Ministerial Code, and a copy of that code.

Ministers are expected to observe the Seven Principles of Public Life. The Ministerial code sets out the standards of conduct expected of ministers and how they discharge their duties. It provides guidance to ministers on how they should act and arrange their affairs in order to uphold these standards. The code is clear that harassing, bullying or other inappropriate or discriminating behaviour wherever it takes place is not consistent with the Ministerial Code and will not be tolerated.