Written questions by Hatton.

With reference to the National Audit Office's report entitled Managing conflicts of interest: value for money, published on 22 November 2024, whether the Government plans to introduce central electronic registers for all public bodies.

We are committed to restoring public confidence in government and ensuring that all those in public service are held to the highest standards. We will consider carefully the National Audit Office’s recommendations in its recent report ‘Managing Conflicts of Interest’.

When he plans to publish a new Ministerial Code of Conduct; and whether it will include (a) an explicit commitment to the seven Principles of Public Life, (b) an ability for the Independent Adviser on Ministerial Interests to initiate investigations into breaches of the code without needing the consent of the Prime Minister and (c) new restrictions on former ministers taking up outside employment through a deed of undertaking.

The Prime Minister intends to issue and publish an updated version of the Ministerial Code shortly, in which he will set out his expectations for the conduct of all who serve in Government as Ministers.

When he plans to publish a new terms of reference for the Independent Advisor on Ministerial Interests; and whether this will include the power to initiate investigations.

I refer to the answer to UIN 5293.