Chamber and committees

The Scottish Ministerial Code was first published in August 1999. It provides a code of conduct and guidance on procedures for Scottish ministers. It also underlines our commitment to working in partnership with the Scottish Parliament. We have updated the code to reflect a number of developments since 1999. The changes include: the addition of the Seven Principles of Public Life as set out in the first report of the Nolan Committee; revised guidance on the procedure for discussion of private interests with incoming ministers; arrangements for appointing Ministerial Parliamentary Aides, and revised guidance on contact with commercial companies. Further changes will be made as and when appropriate, including any changes we consider necessary in relation to contacts with commercial lobbyists following further consideration of the Standards Committee's recent report on lobbying.Copies of the latest version of the Scottish Ministerial Code will be available in the Parliament's Reference Centre, and on the internet at www.scotland.gov.uk.