§ Mr. PaiceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what arrangements exist to require the disclosure of financial interests in specific topics by parish councillors.
§ Mrs. Virginia Bottomley[holding answer 16 February 1989]: The provisions of sections 94 to 98 and 105 of the Local Government Act 1972 require members of local authorities, including parish councillors, to declare pecuniary interests in any council business and, unless they receive a dispensation (in the case of parish councils, from the appropriate district council) to abstain from speaking or voting on that matter.
§ Mr. PaiceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will review the law providing protection for individuals from illegal or improper action by parish councils; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Virginia Bottomley[holding answer 16 February 1989]: The existing arrangements appear satisfactory. Parish councils, like other local authorities, must act within the law and are subject to the supervision of their auditor and the courts. Any local government elector for the parish may raise matters with which he or she is dissatisfied at the parish meeting.