HC Deb 28 February 1977 vol 927 cc27-8
32. Mr. Madden

asked the Lord President of the Council if the Services Committee has yet completed its inquiries into the activities of International News Services in relation to certain hon. Members.

Mr. Foot

The activities of International News Service were among the matters considered by the Committee when it examined the rules regarding the use of House facilities by strangers. I refer my hon. Friend to the statement made by Mr. Speaker on 2nd December last on the advice of the Committee.

Mr. Madden

In view of the most serious charges which have been made against this company, including the harassment of Members and the exertion of undue pressure on Members, will my right hon. Friend undertake that the Committee will conduct its inquiry extensively and with a sense of urgency? Because of the concern which exists among many Members about the activities of commercial lobbyists in this House, will my right hon. Friend consider establishing a register of commercial lobbyists and also a code of conduct aimed at cleaning up the activities of commercial lobbyists in this House?

Mr. Foot

It is not the practice to disclose the proceedings of a Committee or Sub-Committee until they are reported to the House. It would not be right for me also to comment on the way in which a Sub-Committee is conducting its investi gations at the moment. Other than that, I have nothing to add to what Mr. Speaker said in his statement earlier. I fully accept that the whole House will wish to see that lobbyists conduct their proceedings properly. If they do not do so, it is not necessarily a question for the Sub-Committee but one for hon. Members to raise in this House.