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| 'Concern' over peers cash claims | |
| (about 2 hours later) | |
| The leader of the House of Lords says she is "deeply concerned" over allegations four peers were prepared to accept money to put down amendments. | |
| The Sunday Times claims they offered to help make amendments to legislation in return for up to £120,000. | |
| Lady Royall told the BBC she had spoken to the four Labour peers concerned and would be "pursuing the matter with utmost vigour". | |
| She also said House of Lords members must "abide by its high standards." | |
| One of the peers, Lord Truscott, has denied the claims. | |
| The former energy minister did admit to having had "discussions" with the reporter, but told the BBC that "to suggest I would offer to put down amendments for money is a lie". | |
| One of the other peers named, Lord Moonie, a former defence minister, told the BBC that he had been suspicious of the people who had approached him. The House has a high reputation and I expect members to abide by its high standards Baroness RoyallLeader of House of Lords | One of the other peers named, Lord Moonie, a former defence minister, told the BBC that he had been suspicious of the people who had approached him. The House has a high reputation and I expect members to abide by its high standards Baroness RoyallLeader of House of Lords |
| He acknowledged discussing a fee of £30,000 with the undercover reporters but said: "I am not aware of having offered to do anything for these people that was outside the rules." | He acknowledged discussing a fee of £30,000 with the undercover reporters but said: "I am not aware of having offered to do anything for these people that was outside the rules." |
| He went on to say that any arrangement would have been based on a written contract and would have involved advising them on how to get amendments to legislation - but he would have been acting strictly as an adviser and consultant. | He went on to say that any arrangement would have been based on a written contract and would have involved advising them on how to get amendments to legislation - but he would have been acting strictly as an adviser and consultant. |
| 'High standards' | 'High standards' |
| The Sunday Times said that its reporters had posed as lobbyists acting for a foreign client, who was setting up a chain of shops in the UK and wanted an exemption from the Business Rates Supplements Bill.Lord Truscott has denied offering to put down amendments for cash | |
| Lady Royall said: "High standards of ethics and probity are central to the work and members of the House of Lords. | |
| "The House has a high reputation and I expect members to abide by its high standards. | "The House has a high reputation and I expect members to abide by its high standards. |
| "The House of Lords has a code of conduct for members which clearly states that members 'must never accept any financial inducement as an incentive or reward for exercising parliamentary influence'. | "The House of Lords has a code of conduct for members which clearly states that members 'must never accept any financial inducement as an incentive or reward for exercising parliamentary influence'. |
| "If allegations are made that members are in breach of these rules, and complaints are made about members conduct, then their conduct will be investigated in accordance with procedures laid down by the House." | |