Members' Interests (Hansard, 10 February 1971)

§ 39. Mr. Arthur Lewis
asked the Lord President of the Council whether he will seek to refer to the Committee of Procedure a proposal to amend the standing orders to prevent Members from voting on matters with which they have a personal or vested interest, in a way similar to that in operation in local government so far as borough councillors are concerned.

§ Mr. Whitelaw
No, Sir. These matters were very thoroughly considered last Session by the Select Committee on Members' Interests, which recommended the continuance of our present practice in this respect.

§ Mr. Lewis
It may have been very well considered by the Committee, but the House has never really given it consideration. Is it not strange that borough councillors should be more strictly controlled than Members of the House of Commons? If borough councillors are so strictly controlled, should we not set a good example by at least having the same sort of system as they are subject to?

§ Mr. Whitelaw
The problems which arose from the Report of the Select Committee on Members' Interests were carefully considered. In general terms what it proposed has much to commend it. I have always believed that to have put general resolutions would have raised considerable problems, as is widely accepted. I believe that we are right to proceed on the present basis.

§ Mr. Tebbit
Does not my right hon. Friend agree that it might have cut down a great deal of debate on the Industrial Relations Bill had hon. Members opposite been to inhibited in this matter?

§ Mr. Whitelaw
I think I would be wise not to follow too far in that direction in present circumstances.

§ Mr. William Hamilton
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is grave disquiet outside the House about the number of hon. Members, particularly on his side of the House, who have outside financial interests which should be made public? If he cannot accept the recommendations of the Select Committee, will he at least provide time for a debate on the Report?

§ Mr. Whitelaw
I cannot follow the hon. Gentleman in his strictures on one side of the House or the other in this regard. Following the Report, there was very careful consideration of whether the resolutions proposed would be suitable or would, in certain circumstances, be very much more restrictive than would be wise. It was felt that they would be so restrictive. I will consider the question of a debate but I cannot promise time in the near future.