Constitutional Reform and Governance Bill

I have listened carefully to hon. Members' comments, and it might help if I point out the following. Clause 7 sets out the minimum requirements for civil service and diplomatic service codes of conduct. Codes of conduct must require civil servants in the UK, Scotland or Wales to serve the Administration of the day of whatever political complexion, and must contain an obligation on civil servants to carry out their duties in accordance with the core civil service values as set out in the Bill: integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality. Amendment 50 would add the""fiduciary responsibility to spend taxpayers' money responsibly"" to the minimum requirements of the code as set out in the Bill. The legislation sets out the core civil service values that are essential to maintaining an impartial civil service. The civil service code gives more details on the kinds of behaviour expected from civil servants in clear and accessible language. It sets out the details of the core values under each of their headings. Under "Honesty" it says that civil servants must""use resources only for the authorised public purposes for which they are provided."" Under "Objectivity" it says they must""provide information and advice, including advice to Ministers, on the basis of the evidence, and accurately present the options and facts"." Under "Integrity" it says they must""comply with the law and uphold the administration of justice."" The requirement on the use of public money is set out explicitly in the code under the core value of "Integrity", where it says civil servants must""make sure public money and other resources are used properly and efficiently"." I think that covers the matter. I understand why the right hon. Member for Horsham (Mr. Maude) thought this particular duty was so important that it should be added to the Bill, but I think my hon. Friend the hon. Member for Cannock Chase (Dr. Wright) is right—although he does not agree with me entirely—that there must be either a principle-based approach or a more detailed approach. Adding the details of the principles of one aspect of the civil service code to the Bill would undermine the others in the code. My hon. Friend the Member for Pendle (Mr. Prentice) made a point about accounting officers. The accounting officer has a personal responsibility for the propriety of the spending of all the money for which he or she is responsible. That is set out in various codes. I understand the point made by the right hon. Member for Horsham, and it is valid, but his proposal is unnecessary because of the way in which the Bill is set out and the information that is contained in the code.