§ Mr. Bishopasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice he has given to local authorities and other public bodies regarding the declaration of interest by members having an interest in matters coming before the authorities; and what action he takes to ensure that the advice is noted.
§ Mr. Graham PageSo far as local authorities are concerned, this subject is covered by the Local Government Act 1933 and other legislation. General advice on the subject is given to local authorities from time to time, most recently in a circular dated 8th May 1972 (Department of the Environment 40/72, Welsh 81W Office 85/72). I have no reason to think that such advice is not passed on to members. The public bodies for which my right hon. and learned Friend is responsible are of many types, with different functions and constitutions. No single rule as to the declaration of interests applies to them, and it has not been considered appropriate to give general advice to their members.