§ 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. CroslandThe public bodies for which I am 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.
So far as local authorities are concerned, requirements in this respect are statutory, being contained chiefly in Part V of the Local Government Act 1972. Advice which has been given to local authorities from time to time has explained the statutory requirements and the policy regarding dispensation to speak or vote where a pecuniary interest exists. The most recent advice was contained in a circular dated 3rd September 1973 (Department of the Environment 105/73, Welsh Office 202/73). Enforcement is a matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions and the police.