HC Deb 27 January 1986 vol 90 cc639-40
34. Mr. Adley

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on the implementation of the resolution of the House of 17 December 1985, in so far as it relates to his responsibility, concerning the establishment of new registers of interest by people working at the Palace of Westminster.

Mr. Biffen

The main responsibility for the implementation of the resolutions passed on 17 December rests with the Select Committee on Members' Interests, under the chairmanship of my hon. Friend, the Member for Wealden (Sir G. Johnson Smith). I understand that that Committee is already considering the necessary administrative arrangements for the operation of the new registers and its proposals will be made known to the House as soon as possible.

Mr. Adley

As a member of that Select Committee, may I thank my right hon. Friend for his reply? Is he aware that there appear to be an increasing number of secretaries and research assistants of right hon. and hon. Members who to have been engaged in the services of outside so-called parliamentary consultants? Is my right hon. Friend further aware that the arrangements between secretaries and other hon. Members' secretaries are not always known? Will he please give an assurance on behalf of the Government that, when the Select Committee reports, its reports will be acted upon by the House at the earliest opportunity?

Mr. Biffen

I shall most certainly try to arrange that the House has an early opportunity to confirm the Select Committee's proposals, if that is required before they can be implemented.

Mr. Meadowcroft

Has the Leader of the House yet had representations from representatives of secretaries and research assistants who feel genuinely offended that they are to be asked to sign a declaration that goes into more detail than that which hon. Members are asked to sign?

Mr. Biffen

If that feeling is widespread, it must be communicated to the Select Committee concerned, as it is the relevant body to receive such views.