Wednesday 1 July 2009

NEWS RELEASE

Harman welcomes introduction of new rules for MPs' register

New rules on MPs' outside financial interests will reinforce a demand for greater transparency to the benefit of both Parliament and the public, Harriet Harman QC MP, said today.

Following the decision of the House of Commons to approve a resolution in April, new provisions for the registration of Members' financial interests take effect from Wednesday, July 1, 2009.

Ms Harman, Leader of the House of Commons, said: "Last week, I set out the series of actions that are being taken, including the provisions of the Parliamentary Standards Bill now before the House, to put the system of MPs' pay and allowances on a more transparent, independent and properly-audited footing.

"But, in addition, I believe that the public are entitled to know the source of work for payments to an individual MP, how much is being paid, and what the MP is undertaking for that payment. 

"It was right that the House of Commons resolved last April, before the issue of disclosure of MPs' expenses caused such public anger and dismay, that there should be a new registration requirement from July.

"It means that any payment to an MP for services, whether in cash or kind, will have to be registered. Guidance has been issued to all MPs. For the first time, the public will be able to see all the details. The public want to know who, other than they as taxpayers, is paying an MP.

"The Committee on Standards in Public Life, chaired by Sir Christopher Kelly, is examining the issue of outside financial interests, and I look forward to any recommendations which it puts forward in its report to see whether transparency is enough, or whether there is a need for additional action."

Under the terms of the resolution, MPs will be required to provide the additional following details to the Registrar:

. The precise amount of each individual payment made in relation to any interest;
. The nature of the hours worked during the period to which the payment relates and
. Except where disclosure of the information would be contrary to any legal or established professional duty of privacy or confidentiality, the name and address if the person, organisation or company making the payment;

In addition, MPs will be required to register such interests whether or not their value in any given year exceeds one per cent of the current Parliamentary salary. (note 1)

The new provisions apply whether or not the interest in question depends essentially upon, or arises out of, the individual's position as a Member of Parliament.

Notes:

1. With effect from 1 April 2009, the current salary for an MP is £64,766

Media inquiries: 020 7276 0594