House of Lords' Register of Interests (Hansard, 11 May 2000)

§ Lord Campbell of Alloway
asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they would oppose an investigation by a committee of the House into the effectiveness of the House of Lords' Register of Interests. [HL2232]

§ Baroness Jay of Paddington
The Committee on Standards in Public Life is looking at standards of conduct in the House of Lords, including the effectiveness of the Register of Interests. If the House wishes to appoint such a committee, it would be better for this to be set up to consider the findings and recommendations of the Committee on Standards in Public Life.

§ Lord Campbell of Alloway
asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether it is their view that Bishops and Lords of Appeal in Ordinary should be subject to the same requirements to register their interests as other Members of the House. [HL2233]

§ Baroness Jay of Paddington
The Government do not wish to prejudge the recommendations of the inquiry by the Committee on Standards in Public Life, which we believe will cover the issue.

§ Lord Campbell of Alloway
asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they lack confidence in the House of Lords' register of interests; and, if so, for what reasons. [HL2234]

§ Baroness Jay of Paddington
The Government accept the view of the Committee on Standards in Public Life that the time is right to review the effectiveness of the voluntary register brought in following the Griffiths report. The context of the committee's inquiry is set out in the issues and questions document published by the committee on 4 April.