HC Deb 17 March 2000 vol 346 c342W
Mr. Loughton

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to paragraphs 113 and 126 of the Ministerial Code, what steps he took to avoid conflicts of interest in respect of the renting of a flat from the RMT and other financial arrangements with the RMT. [115211]

Mr. Raynsford

My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister has been a tenant since 1970 of a flat owned by the RMT. Like about 200,000 other pre-1989 private sector tenancies, it is a regulated tenancy under the Rent Acts and is subject to 'fair rent' control. My right hon. Friend has written to the Parliamentary Commissioner explaining to her the reasons why he sees no need to declare the tenancy in the Register of Members' Interests, but for the avoidance of doubt, he has asked for her advice on the issue.