HC Deb 24 July 1996 vol 282 c359

4.9 pm

Ms Angela Eagle (Wallasey)

On a point of order, Madam Speaker. Yesterday, the Prime Minister told the House: No one can buy access to Ministers."— [Official Report, 23 July 1996; Vol. 282, c. 144.] Yet the introduction to a leaflet from the Conservative party's Premier club states: The Premier Club is also a forum for leading businessmen to meet and interact, and to forge closer relationships with senior Conservative politicians. Those senior politicians are, of course, Ministers. Do you believe that that issue ought to be referred to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, so that we can prevent Ministers from touting themselves around for money in that way?

Madam Speaker

If the hon. Lady feels that that is a matter for the Commissioner, she must refer it. I remind the House that we will have a debate later today on the code of conduct, during which that matter may arise.