To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster pursuant to the answer of 2 February 2009, Official Report, columns 943-44W, on trade unions, whether special leave may be granted for trade union representatives to undertake political activities relating to their trade union responsibilities. (270166)

Union representatives are all civil servants and as such are bound by the civil service code.

The rules relating to civil servants’ involvement in political activities, including elected trade union representatives are set out in the civil service management code.