Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards (Hansard, 16 January 2002)

§ Peter Bottomley
To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, what body formally employs the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards. [27002]

§ Mr. Kirkwood
The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards is an Officer of the House. Her employer is the House of Commons Commission.

§ Peter Bottomley
To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, what arrangements are in place for monitoring the work of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards. [27003]

§ Mr. Kirkwood
Since the appointment of the first Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards in 1995 it has been recognised that the formal appraisal arrangements for senior Officers of the House are not appropriate for the special circumstances of the post. Both Commissioners have discussed their work from time to time with the Speaker and the Clerk of the House. In addition, Standing Order No. 149 (1)(b) provides that the Committee on Standards and Privileges shall oversee the work of the Commissioner.

§ Peter Bottomley
To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, when(a) the Commission and (b) the Chairman last held a formal meeting with the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards. [25691]

§ Mr. Kirkwood
The Commission has not held a formal meeting with the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards. The Speaker last held a meeting with the Commissioner on 14 January 2002.