Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Lord Mandelson, whilst Ambassador, was given permission to undertake any private work or second employment.

Civil servants are required to adhere to the Civil Service Code and the terms and conditions of their employment, including requirements relating to outside interests and external employment. Any such activity must be formally approved and must not conflict with an individual's official duties. In line with long-standing practice, the Government does not comment on the detail of individual personnel matters.