CSPL · Reinforcing Standards

R6-13

January 2000

Response position and delivery status are recorded separately. Acceptance does not establish implementation.

Recommendation

The final three sentences in section 1 of the Ministerial Code should be redrafted to clarify the role of the Prime Minister. It will be for the Prime Minister to determine the precise wording but we suggest the following text: It will be for individual Ministers to judge how best to act in order to uphold the highest standards. They are responsible for justifying their conduct to Parliament and retaining its confidence. The Prime Minister remains the ultimate judge of the requirements of the Code and the appropriate consequences of breaches of it.

Source