Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many and what proportion of contracts between her Department and charities include a gagging clause; and if she will make a statement.

These clauses do not prevent the contracting bodies from making statements critical of government policy or politicians, and certainly do not prevent whistle-blowing (as this would be unlawful). They are designed to protect government, to ensure that contractors adhere to good working practices and do not engage in activities that will bring the Authority into disrepute or otherwise harm the confidence of the public in Government.