Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms and Chief Whip (Lord Kennedy of Southwark) (Lab Co-op)
My Lords, there have been many cases in recent weeks of noble Lords, during Oral Questions, referring generally to their interests as set out in the register. I want to highlight to colleagues that this is now the incorrect procedure. Following recent changes to the Code of Conduct, noble Lords must now declare financial interests in a specific way. This applies to all types of business, including Oral Questions.
Simply referring to interests as set out in the register is no longer sufficient. For example, if, hypothetically, I am the chief executive of a housing association and I am asking a question about building new social homes, previously when asking that question, I could have said, “I refer the House to my interests as set out in the register”. Now, I would have to say, “My Lords, I declare an interest as the chief executive of X housing association”.
The House authorities helpfully highlighted these changes again to Members in communications issued this week. This change was agreed by the House in March and came into effect in April. I remind all noble Lords of the importance of observing these new rules.