Business of the House

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 11:33 am on 14 May 2009.

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Photo of Kelvin Hopkins Kelvin Hopkins Labour, Luton North 11:33, 14 May 2009

My right hon. and learned Friend will recall that the Select Committee on Public Administration published its report on lobbying in the first week of January. The report, which called for a statutory register of lobbyists, was followed by an early-day motion from my hon. Friend Mr. Prentice, who is a fellow member of that Committee, calling for urgent legislation. The motion has been signed by 162 hon. Members.

It is customary for the Government to respond to such reports within two months. The response was deferred until after Easter, but it is now well after that time. Will my right hon. and learned Friend ask her colleagues in the Cabinet Office to respond and to come with forward with at least a reply and, I hope, legislation, as soon as possible? May I also suggest that such legislation would help to raise public esteem for Parliament once again?