R14-3

The Committee on Standards and the House of Commons should reconsider implementing the recommendations of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards to the Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament to: ■■ impose restrictions on parliamentary lobbying by former Members by extending the lobbying rules to them for two years in respect of approaches to Ministers, other Members or public officials; and ■■ require former Members to register for two years any occupation or employment which involves them or their employer in contact with Ministers, other Members or public officials. Consideration should be given to: ■■ whether Chairmanship of a Select Committee brings with it a particular influence on matters of public policy that justifies the imposition of additional restrictions in relation to conflicts of interests; and ■■ providing explicitly that Members should not accept all but the most insignificant or incidental gift, benefit or hospitality or payments from professional lobbyists. The House of Lords Commissioner for Standards and the Committee for Privileges should review the Code of Conduct and guidance to its Members on registering employment payments, gifts, benefits and hospitality and in relation to lobbying. 7 STRENGTHENING TRANSPARENCY AROUND LOBBYING