§ Mr. JoplingTo ask the Lord Privy Seal whether he will take steps to ensure that all research assistants employed by hon. Members register any research work or thesis preparation which they are pursuing alongside their duties to hon. Members, on behalf of or in pursuit of, their studies at an educational establishment or university.
§ Mr. WakehamMy right hon. Friend will be aware that the resolution of the House of 17 December 1985 in respect of research assistants required the registration of only "any relevant gainful occupation". Any extension of this requirement would need to be considered by the Select Committee on Members' Interests and agreed to by the House.