Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Baroness Clark of Kilwinning and Chloe Smith

Tuesday 4th June 2013 Commons Chamber

[Katy Clark (North Ayrshire and Arran) (Lab)]

1. When he plans to bring forward legislative proposals on the regulation of lobbyists.

[The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Miss Chloe Smith)]

The Government have repeatedly made very clear their commitment to introducing a statutory register of lobbyists. The events that have unfolded over the weekend demonstrate just how important transparency in political life is. We will therefore introduce legislation to provide for a lobbying register before the summer recess. The register will go ahead as part of a broad package of measures to tighten the rules on how third parties can influence our political system.

[Katy Clark]

Given what has happened over the last few days, does the Minister accept that the public expect full transparency on how big business and money try to influence decisions? Will the legislation include not just lobbying companies but in-house lobbyist for-profit organisations?

[Miss Smith]

The aim of any reform in this area must, I think, be to ensure that the activities of outside organisations are transparent to the general public and accountable. As we have said throughout the process, it is important that we get this right. We will announce more details in the coming weeks. The hon. Lady will be aware from the proposals already put forward that the intention is to regulate third-party lobbyists. Let us not forget what this is for: it is about knowing who is lobbying and on behalf of whom.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Baroness Clark of Kilwinning and Chloe Smith

Tuesday 16th October 2012 Commons Chamber

[Katy Clark (North Ayrshire and Arran) (Lab)]

2. What plans he has to bring forward legislative proposals on the recall of hon. Members.

[The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Miss Chloe Smith)]

The Government remain committed to establishing a recall mechanism that is transparent, robust and fair. We are grateful to the Select Committee on Political and Constitutional Reform for its consideration of our proposals and we are now taking proper time to reflect on its recommendations.

[Katy Clark]

How does the Minister intend to define “serious wrongdoing” in the legislation?

[Miss Smith]

As I have noted, we intend to introduce a recall mechanism that is transparent, robust and fair. We have set out two different sets of triggers that apply and we are also working with the powers of the House of Commons on these matters, including the definition of serious wrongdoing.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Baroness Clark of Kilwinning and Chloe Smith

Tuesday 24th April 2012 Commons Chamber

[Katy Clark (North Ayrshire and Arran) (Lab)]

15. What assessment he has made of the effect of changes to working tax credit on couples in households where one person is retired.

[The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Miss Chloe Smith)]

Working tax credit is a payment for working households that was introduced by the previous Government to improve work incentives. Retirement is not recognised in the tax credit system. However, there are separate eligibility rules for those over 60, and a level of income for those in retirement is guaranteed by pension credit.

[Katy Clark]

My constituent, Mrs Orr, is losing £290 a month as a result of the tax credit changes. She lives with her husband, who is retired, and her 13-year-old daughter. She works for 20 hours a week at Crosshouse hospital and has tried to increase her contractual hours, but has been unable to do so. She works any overtime that is available. How do you suggest that she makes ends meet?