HL Deb 25 May 2000 vol 613 cc105-6WA
The Earl of Northesk

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Leader of the House on 11 May (WA 236), what mechanisms exist within the Committee on Standards in Public Life for dealing with any potential or perceived conflicts of interest. [HL2510]

Baroness Jay of Paddington

The mechanisms for dealing with potential and perceived conflicts of interest for members of the Committee on Standards in Public Life are set out in the Committee's code of practice. Copies of the code can be obtained from the Committee or downloaded from its website atwww.public-standards.gov.uk. Copies have also been deposited in the Library of the House.

The Earl of Northesk

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Leader of the House on 11 May (WA 237), whether they are considering placing the Committee on Standards in Public Life on a statutory basis in the future. [HL2511]

Baroness Jay of Paddington

I refer the noble Earl to the Answer I gave to the noble Lord, Lord Dean of Harptree, on 11 May 2000, col.WA 237.

The Earl of Northesk

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Leader of the House on 11 May (WA 237), what options for the future work of the Committee on Standards in Public Life other than a review of standards of conduct in the House of Lords were discussed between the Prime Minister and the Lord Neill of Bladen on 10 January. [HL2512]

Baroness Jay of Paddington

Information on internal deliberation, whose disclosure would harm the frankness and candour of discussion, is exempt from disclosure under the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

The Earl of Northek

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they intend to ensure that the House of Lords can consider any report emanating from the Committee on Standards in Public Life's review of standards of conduct in the House in advance of it being disseminated more widely. [HL2513]

Baroness Jay of Paddington

It will be for the Committee to decide the arrangements for publishing their report.