The Ministerial Code Improving the Rule Book : the Government's Third Report of Session 2000-01 : Report and Proceedings of the Committee

The Ministerial Code sets out the standards expected of Government Ministers, and their accountability to Parliament and the public. The Select Committee produced a report (HC 235) earlier this year, which examined the operation of the Code, and any improvements required. In its response to the Committee report, the Government states that it is not convinced a further code of ethical principles for Ministers is needed. The Government also rejects the recommendation that the Prime Minister should appear before a Select Committee to ensure effective parliamentary accountability. Instead, the Government argues that the current arrangements of Prime Minister's Question Time and Ministerial appearances before Select Committees provide for full accountability to Parliament. The Committee finds there is much to welcome in the Government's response, but notes its disappointment in some aspects where gaps in accountability still remain. These include: the refusal of the Prime Minister to appear before the Select Committee system; and the need for an independent parliamentary mechanism, such as an Ombudsman, to deal with complaints against Ministers.