Correspondence from the Cabinet Office
following evidence session
Letter dated 19 November 2007 from Sir
Gus O'Donnell to Paul Rowen MP
Lobbyists and Access
During my evidence session to the Committee
last week, I said I would look into allegations about lobbyists'
access.
Ministers and civil servants meet many people
as part of the process of policy development and advice. It is
important that whenever such contacts take place they do so in
accordance with the requirements of the Ministerial Code, the
Civil Service Code, Guidance on Contacts with Lobbyists, the Code
of Conduct for Special Advisers as appropriate, and the Nolan
principles of public life. In the particular case raised, I am
satisfied nothing improper occurred. Neither the Prime Minister
nor his office had any knowledge of any photo calls.
Separately, Richard Houghton, Chairman of the
Public Relations Consultants Association has written to the Cabinet
Office confirming that it is satisfied that Hanover has acted
within the Association's code of conduct in its tender for the
Medical Technology Group.
I hope this is helpful and I am copying to Tony
Wright MP, Committee Chairman.
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