Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what procedures or guidance governs and discussions between him and his departmental Permanent Secretary; and in what circumstances are Ministers in his department required to consult the departmental Permanent Secretary on potential conflicts of interest.

The Permanent Secretary discusses a range of issues with Ministers, including on propriety matters. The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has discussed his declarations of interests with the Permanent Secretary and advice was provided. A record of all specific occasions where potential conflicts of interests were discussed is not held. The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care discussed his declarations of interests with the then Deputy Cabinet Secretary.

Ministers have a duty to abide by the Ministerial Code, which states that:

“It is the personal responsibility of each Minister to decide whether and what action is needed to avoid a conflict or the perception of a conflict, taking account of advice received from their Permanent Secretary and the independent adviser on Ministers’ interests.”