Whether it will encourage MSPs to develop contact and relationships with senior civil servants similar to those that have been developed wi…

Answered Asked by Kenny MacAskill SNP Lodged 5 Oct 2004

The question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will encourage MSPs to develop contact and relationships with senior civil servants similar to those that have been developed with heads and leading officials in non-departmental public bodies; if so, how it intends to do so, and what the reasons are for its position on the matter.

The answer

Answered by Tom McCabe on 22 Dec 2004 · 78 days after it was lodged, 50 days after it was due

All civil servants are required to act in accordance with the terms of the Civil Service Code, including their contact with MSPs. The Civil Service Code states that the constitutional and practical role of the civil service is to assist the duly constituted government of the day, with integrity, honesty, impartiality and objectivity. Specific guidance on contacts with MSPs is available for Scottish Executive staff, which refers to the principles of the Civil Service Code. The Scottish Executive staff directory has been available to MSPs and their staff since April 2001, through the Scottish Parliament intranet site. Currently there are no plans to change policy on MSPs having contact with civil servants.

In the Official Report

No contribution in the Official Report cites S2W-11223 by reference.