§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department on what occasions(a) Ministers and (b) officials have refused to (i) arrange and (ii) attend meetings with hon. Members to discuss matters relating to interests registered by those Members under categories 1, 2, 3, 4(b), 8 and 9 in the Register of Members' Interests. [8081]
§ Mr. HoonThe first report from the Committee on Standards in Public Life (Cm 2850) made it clear that when Members are meeting Ministers or others on topics on which they have an interest, the onus is on the Member to declare that interest not the Minister to know (paragraph 63 of Cm 2850). It is not practicable for Ministers and officials, amongst their other duties, to vet requests for meetings against the Register of Members' Interests. Should evidence of non-declaration, or contravention of the Resolution of the House relating to delegations to Ministers emerge the matter would be brought to the attention of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards.
§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will ensure that(a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department refuse requests from hon. Members to (i) arrange and (ii) attend meetings relating to interests held by those Members under categories 1, 2, 3, 4(b), 8 and 9 in the Register of Members' Interests. [8078]
§ Mr. HoonThe first report from the Committee on Standards in Public Life (Cm 2850) recognised the value of enabling members to retain interests outside the House,330W provided that these were properly declared, both in the Register of Members' Interests and on other occasions. Subject to these requirements, and to the rules of the House relating to delegations to Ministers, Members are free to seek meetings with Ministers and officials, who will consider such requests alongside the many other approaches from individuals and organisations concerned to press their own interests and those of others.