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Proceeding contribution from Baroness Royall of Blaisdon (Labour) in the House of Lords on Tuesday, 14 July 2009. It occurred during Committee of the Whole House (HL) and Debate on bill on Parliamentary Standards Bill.

Parliamentary Standards Bill

Noble Lords have asked many interesting questions. First, I will clarify the point raised by the noble Lord, Lord Higgins. The noble Lord, Lord Strathclyde, asked a question in relation to Clause 8(2), which refers to offences. It states: ""A member of the House of Commons commits an offence if, without reasonable excuse, the member fails to comply with a requirement included by virtue of section 5(7) (registration of interests) in the MPs’ code of conduct relating to financial interests"." This is an issue on which I have been reflecting throughout the day. I am minded to reflect further on this specific offence and come back to it on Report. The Government are absolutely clear that they regard the offence mentioned in Clause 8(1) as a prerequisite of the Bill. We want that offence to stand; we consider it to be extremely important for the core function of the Bill. As I said, I am reflecting on whether the offence referred to in Clause 8(2) might be removed, but I shall come back on that in due course. The noble Lord has a question.

Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
712 c1139 
Session
2008-09
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
Subjects
Disciplinary proceedings Disclosure of information Codes of practice Appeals Conduct Allowances Advocacy British constitution Committee on Standards in Public Life Employment Housing Finance Families Human rights House of Commons Judiciary Freedom of expression Pay Powers Membership Public appointments Members Members' interests Privy Council Parliament Parliamentary privilege Standards Regulation Repayments Committee on Standards and Privileges Senior Salaries Review Body Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority Commissioner for Parliamentary Investigations Sunset clauses
Legislation
Parliamentary Standards Bill 2008-09
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk