Lord Myners

Crossbench - Life peer

Became Member: 16th October 2008

Left House: 16th January 2022 (Death)


Lord Myners is not a member of any APPGs
Personal Service Companies
12th Nov 2013 - 31st Mar 2014
Works of Art Committee (Lords)
16th May 2012 - 15th May 2013
Privacy and Injunctions (Joint Committee)
18th Jul 2011 - 12th Mar 2012


Division Voting information

Lord Myners has voted in 159 divisions, and 1 time against the majority of their Party.

15 Jun 2009 - Political Parties and Elections Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Myners voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 41 Labour No votes vs 45 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 107 Noes - 85
View All Lord Myners Division Votes

All Debates

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Lord Sassoon (Conservative)
(113 debate interactions)
Baroness Wilcox (Conservative)
(21 debate interactions)
Lord De Mauley (Conservative)
(14 debate interactions)
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Department Debates
HM Treasury
(120 debate contributions)
Leader of the House
(25 debate contributions)
Wales Office
(10 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
Legislation Debates
Investigatory Powers Act 2016
(216 words contributed)
Investigatory Powers Act 2016
(216 words contributed)
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View all Lord Myners's debates

Lords initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Lord Myners, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.


Lord Myners has not introduced any legislation before Parliament

Lord Myners has not co-sponsored any Bills in the current parliamentary sitting


Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
4 Other Department Questions
11th Jul 2019
To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker what plans they have, if any, to enable the charging of electric vehicles in the House of Lords carpark.

The Senior Deputy Speaker has asked me, as Chairman of the Services Committee, to respond on his behalf.

The Services Committee considered the possibility of introducing electric vehicle charging (EVC) points at its meeting on 14 March 2019. The Committee declined to agree a proposal to introduce EVC points to the House of Lords. Although the Committee recognised the benefits, it did not believe it was the appropriate time to implement the scheme.

Amongst other factors, the Committee considered the location and impact of the EVC points, the longevity of the proposed installation of charging points, which risked being decommissioned when Restoration and Renewal commenced, the need for a long term vision for EVC across the Estate, and concerns that the proposal did not provide value for money.

23rd Jan 2015
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will take steps to ensure the continued presence of commercial retail banking services in St Agnes, Cornwall; and whether they will investigate proposals by Barclays to close the only remaining retail banking branch in that area.

Officials at the Department for Business have discussed with Barclays the rationale for the proposed closure of its branch in St Agnes. Ultimately, however, the decision on whether to retain a branch in the town is a matter for the management of the bank who will need to balance customer interests, market competition and other commercial factors.

The Government, nonetheless, recognises that bank branch closures can have a significant impact on customers, particularly vulnerable customers such as the elderly, the disabled, those on low incomes, and small businesses. It is therefore pressing the banking sector to finalise a new branch closure protocol.

The Government is also clear that there is an important role to play for Post Office in maintaining communities’ physical access to banking services. Barclays (and most other banks) have commercial arrangements in place with Post Office allowing personal current account customers to withdraw money and deposit cash and cheques at Post Office branches, including the one in St Agnes. Approximately 95% of UK personal account customers are already able to access banking services at the Post Office, and negotiations are underway to increase this coverage to closer to 100%.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
8th Jan 2015
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will examine the financial support undertakings given to City Link by its owner; and whether they have estimated the cost to the taxpayer of the withdrawal of the committed support.

The Insolvency Service will consider the conduct of the directors of City Link in connection with the management of the company. This would include any issues associated with financial support offered by its owner or by third parties.

It is not uncommon that an insolvent company has insufficient money to pay their creditors in full - including employees - and that is why there are special arrangements for employees who are made redundant on the insolvency of their employer. These provisions ensure employees receive a basic minimum of the debts owed by the employer from the National Insurance Fund.

It is too early to provide an estimate of the cost of the payments to former employees of City Link. However, I can confirm that there are statutory limits on these payments, such as the £464 cap on a week’s pay.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
19th Nov 2014
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they are investigating Quindell plc and its board of directors and financial advisers; and if not, whether they plan to do so.

Quindell plc is Alternative Investment Market (AIM) listed which is controlled by London Stock Exchange and any enquiry relating to possible market abuse sits within the remit of the Financial Conduct Authority.

The Government’s Insolvency Service has discretionary powers under the Companies Acts to conduct enquiries on behalf of the Secretary of State where it appears that there has been misconduct in relation to the affairs of any company, including those not subject to formal insolvency.

For the investigation process to be effective it is essential to maintain confidentiality at all stages and there is also a need to protect the commercial interest of companies against the danger of damage from malicious complaints. For these reasons there are legal restrictions on disclosing information obtained during an enquiry and The Service does not confirm or deny whether an investigation of a particular company is taking place.

Where other regulators and investigating agencies are involved, the Insolvency Service would liaise closely to ensure public money is not wasted duplicating resources.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
11th Feb 2019
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether Sir Phillip Green or any company, trust or other entity associated with him, has obtained an injunction against Her Majesty's Government or any government departments, agencies or public bodies since May 2010; if so, when any such injunction was granted; and when it was withdrawn.

The Government Legal Department (GLD) conducts civil litigation on behalf of most government departments and many (but not all) executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies.

GLD has no record of any injunctions obtained by Sir Philip Green, or any entity known by GLD to be connected with him, against any of the departments, agencies or bodies to which GLD provides litigation services.

12th Nov 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to publish the legal advice prepared by the Attorney General for the Prime Minister on the Irish backstop proposals for the Brexit negotiations; whether the full advice was made available to members of the Cabinet; and if not, why not.

The Government recognises the legitimate desire in Parliament, from Members on all sides and in both Houses, to understand the legal implications of the final Withdrawal Agreement. The Government will therefore make available to all members of Parliament a full, reasoned position statement, setting out the Government’s agreed legal position on the Agreement, including the Irish backstop proposals. The Attorney will also make a statement to the House of Commons and take questions. This will help to ensure Parliament has all appropriate information ahead of the vote on the final deal.

We expect the Attorney General’s statement to be repeated in the Lords, with questions.

8th Jun 2016
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have asked the Serious Fraud Office to investigate matters related to the sale and purchase of BHS.

In all cases decisions to investigate are made by the Director of the Serious Fraud Office, who acts independently. In respect of BHS, the SFO has confirmed that it is reviewing material in its possession. If the Director considers there are reasonable grounds to suspect serious or complex fraud which meets his Statement of Principle, he will open a formal criminal investigation.
12th May 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord True on 29 April (HL15167), whether they will now answer the question put, namely, further to the summary report published by the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists on 26 March following its investigation into Rt Hon David Cameron, whether the Registrar had sight of any contract of employment between Mr Cameron and Greensill companies; and whether (1) any such contracts, or (2) related job descriptions, made any reference to lobbying duties.

As outlined in my response on 29 April, the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists is a statutory independent office holder responsible for maintaining the lobbying register. The Registrar's investigations and decisions must be made independently of the Government.

Details of the Registrar’s investigations are published on the website of the Office of the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists at https://registrarofconsultantlobbyists.org.uk and his Office can be contacted at enquiries@orcl.gov.uk.

Lord True
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
21st Apr 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the summary report published by the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists on 26 March following its investigation into Rt Hon David Cameron, whether the Registrar had sight of any contract of employment between Mr Cameron and Greensill companies; and whether (1) any such contracts, or (2) related job descriptions, made any reference to lobbying duties.

The Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists is a statutory independent office holder responsible for maintaining the lobbying register. The Registrar's investigations and decisions must be made independently of the Government.

Details of the Registrar’s investigations are published on the website of the Office of the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists at https://registrarofconsultantlobbyists.org.uk/, and his Office can be contacted at enquiries@orcl.gov.uk.

Lord True
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
19th Apr 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether (1) Bill Crothers, or (2) his consultancy company, were employed by the Government on (a) project work, or (b) any other work, after Mr Crothers ceased to be a civil servant.

Cabinet Office does not have records of Bill Crothers working on project work or any other work during the specified time.

With regard to his consultancy company, details of Government contracts above £10,000 should be published on Contracts Finder: https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Search.


I also refer the noble peer to the letters on the ACOBA website relating to business appointments and Mr Crothers.

Lord True
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
12th Apr 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have any records of the Rt Hon David Cameron (1) contacting, or (2) arranging meetings with, (a) ministers, or (b) senior civil servants, over the last three years, in connection with Afiniti Limited.

Ministers and permanent secretaries’ meetings on official government business with external organisations are published on a quarterly basis and are made available on GOV.UK.

Lord True
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
24th Mar 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government who was responsible for the appointment of Lex Greensill as a Crown Representative in March 2014, including him being issued a Cabinet Office entry pass; whether Bill Crother's appointment to the UK Board of Greensill Capital was (1) reviewed, and (2) approved, by the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments; and, if so, when.

The Prime Minister has asked Mr Boardman to conduct a review that will look into the decisions taken around the development and use of supply chain finance (and associated schemes) in government, especially the role of Lex Greensill and Greensill Capital. The full terms of reference are set out at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/review-into-the-development-and-use-of-supply-chain-finance-in-government-terms-of-reference.

The review will report to the Prime Minister by 30 June 2021. The Government will publish and present to Parliament the Review’s findings and the Government’s response in due course thereafter.

Correspondence between the Cabinet Office and the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments is published at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/crothers-bill-government-chief-commercial-officer-cabinet-office-acoba-recommendation.

Lord True
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
23rd Mar 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government who nominated Mr Lex Greensill as a Crown Representative in March 2014; whether Mr Greensill continues to hold this status; and if not, (1) when did he cease to be a Crown Representative, and (2) why.

The Prime Minister has asked Mr Boardman to conduct a review that will look into the decisions taken around the development and use of supply chain finance (and associated schemes) in government, especially the role of Lex Greensill and Greensill Capital. The full terms of reference are set out at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/review-into-the-development-and-use-of-supply-chain-finance-in-government-terms-of-reference.

The review will report to the Prime Minister by 30 June 2021. The Government will publish and present to Parliament the Review’s findings and the Government’s response in due course thereafter.

Correspondence between the Cabinet Office and the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments is published at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/crothers-bill-government-chief-commercial-officer-cabinet-office-acoba-recommendation.

Lord True
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
19th Mar 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether records held in (1) 10 Downing Street and, (2) the Cabinet Office, record or refer to any conversation since 1 January between David Cameron and ministers or senior civil servants relating to (a) Mr Lex Greensill, (b) Greensill Capital, or (c) Mr Sanjeev Gupta and his businesses; and if so, whether they will place copies of these records in the Library of the House.

The Prime Minister has asked Mr Boardman to conduct a review that will look into the decisions taken around the development and use of supply chain finance (and associated schemes) in government, especially the role of Lex Greensill and Greensill Capital. The full terms of reference are set out at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/review-into-the-development-and-use-of-supply-chain-finance-in-government-terms-of-reference.

The review will report to the Prime Minister by 30 June 2021. The Government will publish and present to Parliament the Review’s findings and the Government’s response in due course thereafter.

Correspondence between the Cabinet Office and the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments is published at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/crothers-bill-government-chief-commercial-officer-cabinet-office-acoba-recommendation.

Lord True
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
3rd Mar 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what functions Lex Greensill performed as a Crown Representative; how long he held that position; which person or office he reported to; and who was responsible for his appointment to that position.

The Prime Minister has asked Mr Boardman to conduct a review that will look into the decisions taken around the development and use of supply chain finance (and associated schemes) in government, especially the role of Lex Greensill and Greensill Capital. The full terms of reference are set out at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/review-into-the-development-and-use-of-supply-chain-finance-in-government-terms-of-reference.

The review will report to the Prime Minister by 30 June 2021. The Government will publish and present to Parliament the Review’s findings and the Government’s response in due course thereafter.

Correspondence between the Cabinet Office and the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments is published at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/crothers-bill-government-chief-commercial-officer-cabinet-office-acoba-recommendation.

Lord True
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
19th Jan 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government who will be the members of the Cabinet Committee to be established to review opportunities to reduce red tape linked to the UK's former membership of the EU; what the outputs of this Committee will be; whether they will produce a report on such opportunities; and if so, when any such report will be published.

The Prime Minister has announced that a new Cabinet Committee, chaired by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, will be set up to refresh the strategy on making better regulation outside the EU, reviewing existing rules and cutting red tape for businesses.


Membership of Cabinet Committees is regularly published on GOV.UK. It is a long-established precedent that information about the discussions that have taken place in Cabinet and its Committees, and how often they have met, is not normally shared publicly.

Lord True
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
27th Nov 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they received advice from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies about reducing the restrictions in place to address the COVID-19 pandemic over the Christmas period; and if so, what plans they have to publish that advice.

The government receives regular advice from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, including on the Christmas period. All the advice received on this matter has been published on Gov.uk at https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/scientific-advisory-group-for-emergencies.

Lord True
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
14th Sep 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to publish any advice or briefings prepared by the civil service on the impact of the provisions of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland relating to state aid.

In line with the practice of successive administrations, details of internal briefings are not normally disclosed.

Lord True
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
14th Sep 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have any reason not to reach an agreement with the EU on state aid which uses the wording and intent evidenced in the free trade agreement reached with Japan.

We want to reach an agreement and believe there is time to do so. We will continue to work hard to achieve it.

In all our trade negotiations, including in our ongoing negotiations with the EU, we consistently make proposals which provide for open and fair competition, on the basis of high standards, in a way which is appropriate to a modern free trade agreement between sovereign and autonomous equals.

Lord True
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
9th Sep 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan to publish the weekly reports on the percentage of full-time employees of each Government department attending the workplace at least once per week; and if not, why not.

Civil servants have continued to work throughout the pandemic to deliver public services and support the Government. There are no plans to centrally publish the information requested.

Lord True
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
7th Sep 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have received the report of the investigation into allegations of bullying of officials by the Home Secretary; and when that report will be published.

To protect the interests of all involved the Government does not comment on the specifics of ongoing process.

The Prime Minister will make any decision on the matter public once the process has concluded.

Lord True
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
19th Mar 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they are taking to reduce the time taken to pay their subcontractors.

The Government should set a strong example by paying subcontractors promptly. Our commitment is to pay 90% of undisputed and valid invoices from small and medium-sized enterprises within 5 days and 100% of all undisputed and valid invoices within 30 days. Government departments are required to report their performance against these payment targets on a quarterly basis on GOV.UK.

Through the Public Contract Regulations 2015, public sector buyers must include 30-day payment terms in new public sector contracts; and require that this payment term be passed down the supply chain. Since 1 September 2019, suppliers risk being excluded from winning large government contracts if they cannot demonstrate prompt payment.

Lord True
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
3rd Mar 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government (1) whether they will publish the details of the contract between the Department for International Trade and Quintessentially, including the amounts paid to that company in each of the last three years, and (2) whether other Government departments or public bodies have contracts with that company.

Records of Government contracts above £10,000 in central government and £25,000 in the wider public sector are published on Contracts Finder:

https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Search

Details of spends over £25,000 are published on gov.uk:

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/dit-departmental-spending-over-25000

Lord True
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
19th Mar 2019
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to assess the financial benefits to UK taxpayers that have resulted from the Green Review of public sector procurement, published in October 2010.

Responding to the findings of the Green Review, HMG took steps to increase efficiency across Government. This included work to enable the UK public sector to get better value from its procurement of common goods and services which is now being taken forward by the Crown Commercial Service.

The Government has published details of savings made through efficiency and reform each year since 2010. The most up-to-date figures are contained in the Crown Commercial Service 2017-18 Annual Report which details £354 million in commercial benefits including savings for central government and £247 million for the wider public sector in that financial year.

19th Mar 2019
To ask Her Majesty's Government when the Honours Forfeiture Committee is next due to meet.

We expect the next meeting to be held over the summer.

11th Feb 2019
To ask Her Majesty's Government on how many occasions the Honours Forfeiture Committee met in each of the last eight calendar years; and when that committee last met.

Prior to 2017, the Forfeiture Committee met to consider cases on an ad-hoc basis, or by correspondence as business required. The Committee now only meets formally and in person. Since 2017 has met on three occasions, and it last met in September 2018.

29th Oct 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to commission a review into the benefit of adopting the recommendations on government procurement made in The Efficiency Review by Sir Philip Green, published in 2010.

We have implemented the key recommendations on public sector procurement made by the Efficiency Review in 2010. There are no current plans to review these recommendations.

However, best practice guidance for public sector procurement is regularly published as procurement policy notes on GOV.UK at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/procurement-policy-notes

7th Feb 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Young of Cookham on 1 February (HL5031), whether they will now answer the question asked, namely who were the Crown Representatives named for Carillion; what was their period of service; and what was their previous relevant experience.

​Julie Scattergood was the Crown Representative for Carillion from April 2014 to August 2017.

We do not publish officials’ CVs. However, we believe she had the necessary qualifications for the appointment.

23rd Jan 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the answer by Lord Young of Cookham on 15 January (HL Deb, col 471), whether the joint and several liability that applies to all parties to the six joint venture contracts they let to groups in which Carillion was a shareholder will transition all of Carillion's obligations and liabilities to other joint venture partners without further cost or negative consequence; whether the stress testing of financial capacity of contractors to take on additional government work included an assessment of joint and several underwriting; and whether Carillion was judged capable of taking on the obligations of its joint venture partners if they failed.

Our Priority is the continuity of public services.

Contractually, the partners to those Joint Ventures are required to deliver the requirements of the Joint Venture if one of the partners fails.

We routinely stress-test contracts to ensure that if one party within a contract fails to deliver, the other parties involved will step in to complete the work. Individual contracts for these Joint Ventures are not held centrally.

23rd Jan 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the answer given by Lord Young of Cookham on 15 January (HL Deb, col 471), which department or government body was responsible for assessing the financial stability of Carillion; and whether the assessment took into consideration the substantial goodwill element within that company's asset base.

It is the responsibility of individual Contracting Authorities to assess the financial stability of potential suppliers as part of normal procurement activity.

23rd Jan 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government who were the Crown Representatives named for Carillion; what was their period of service; and what was their previous relevant experience.

A list of Crown Representatives and strategic suppliers is attached.

This list is updated periodically.

Crown representatives are contractors assigned to companies where they have knowledge of the sector, but where there is no conflict with other concurrent roles. They are not political appointees and they have no authority to take procurement decisions.

23rd Jan 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government when they last published a list of Crown Representatives and strategic suppliers; whether the published listed is updated when appointments cease or new ones are made; and if not, when that list will next be published.

A list of Crown Representatives and strategic suppliers is attached.

This list is updated periodically.

Crown representatives are contractors assigned to companies where they have knowledge of the sector, but where there is no conflict with other concurrent roles. They are not political appointees and they have no authority to take procurement decisions.

17th Jan 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government how much they (1) have paid, and (2) are due to pay, PwC in connection with PwC advising HM Government on the consequences of the failure of Carillion.

In line with all central Government contracts, details of the work PwC are undertaking will be made available on Contracts Finder in due course.

17th Jan 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government by whose authority the Crown Representative was removed from Carillion in August 2017; and what assessment they have made of whether there were negative consequences in terms of insight or influence as a result of not having a designated Crown Representative.

This Government recognises the importance of managing relationships with Strategic Suppliers and their performance on a cross-Government basis, and has developed a range of strategies to do this, including the use of Crown Representatives.

The role of Crown Representative for Carillion was vacant for three months between August and November 2017 following the retirement of the previous post holder. During this period, the Crown representative responsibilities were covered by the Government’s Chief Commercial officer and the Cabinet Office Director of Markets and Suppliers.

17th Jan 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many contracts they awarded to Carillion over each of the last three years without open book processes; and what was the value of those contracts.

Since January 2011, details of central government contracts above the value of £10,000 are published on Contracts Finder. Contracts published prior to 26 February 2015 can be viewed at:

https://data.gov.uk/data/contracts-finder-archive

Those published after 26 February 2015 can be viewed at:

https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Search

Information on whether or not open book processes were used is not held centrally.

17th Jan 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to commission an independent review into the granting of government contracts to Carillion after that company declared itself to be in financial difficulty; what assessment they have made of the sufficiency of the attention given to the solvency and liquidity of the company before granting those contracts; and what consideration was given to rules relating to state aid relating to the grant of those contracts.

Following the news of the collapse of Carillion, the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee launched an inquiry into how the Government and public sector manages the risks of outsourcing the delivery of public services. The government will fully cooperate with this Inquiry.

16th Jan 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their definition of the term “public sector contracts” which they are using in connection with employees of Carillion; and whether that definition includes (1) Private Finance Initiative contracts, (2) other types of public-private partnerships, and (3) work for non-departmental public bodies.

The relevant Carillion contracts are those drawn up under the Public Contracts regulations 2015. These are set out in the Regulations to ensure consistency of understanding and interpretation and be found at: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/102/contents/made

23rd Mar 2017
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments has ever advised a former minister not to accept an appointment.

The independent Advisory Committee on Business Appointments provides its advice direct to the former Minister in question.

The Committee’s final advice is published online when an appointment has been taken up and/or publicly announced. Until this point, the process is confidential between the Committee and the former Minister in question, to allow for free and frank discussion.

21st Mar 2017
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will review the effectiveness of the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments.

The Government believes that the independent Advisory Committee on Business Appointments discharges its remit effectively and efficiently.

23rd Jan 2017
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether any former employees of Macquarie are acting as special advisers, or in an advisory capacity, in (1) Downing Street, (2) the Cabinet Office, or (3) the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

The information requested is not held centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

8th Jun 2016
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they plan to publish the savings in public sector procurement as a result of following the advice of Sir Philip Green; and whether they will consider inviting Sir Philip to review the adequacy and effectiveness of implementation.

I refer the noble Lord to the answers I gave him on 11 April 2016 to Question HL7227 and on 9 May to Question HL7900.

We have published details of savings made through efficiency and reform each year since 2010-11. The most recent report can be found on www.gov.uk.

25th Apr 2016
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will review the effectiveness of the recommendations on public sector procurement by Sir Philip Green.

I refer the noble Lord to the answer I gave him on 11 April 2016 to Question HL7227.

As a result of the commercial and procurement reforms we made during the life of the last Parliament, we saved more than £21 bn.

21st Mar 2016
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have reviewed the implementation of the recommendations on public sector procurement made by Sir Philip Green; and whether they will ask Sir Philip to conduct a further review on policy options to reduce government borrowing.

Sir Phillip's report contributed enormously to the development of the Coalition Government's policies in respect of common goods and services. Many of the recommendations have been taken forward, including the creation of the Crown Commercial Service. The Crown Commercial Service brings together policy, advice and direct buying, providing commercial services to the public sector and saving money for the taxpayer.

The 2016 Budget announced that The Chief Secretary to the Treasury, with the support of the Minister for the Cabinet Office, will lead an efficiency review, reporting in 2018. We will set out details of this in due course.

9th Mar 2015
To ask Her Majesty’s Government who will determine when the House of Lords first sits after the general election.

The date on which Parliament will return will be set out in a Royal Proclamation from Her Majesty the Queen.

25th Feb 2015
To ask Her Majesty’s Government when Lord Green of Hurstpierpoint was appointed as an adviser to the Chancellor of the Exchequer on banking issues; when he was appointed to the Cabinet Committee on banking reform; how many meetings of that committee he attended; and when he ceased to be a member of that committee.

Lord Green was a member of the Banking Reform Committee for the period 11 January 2011 to 11 December 2013. His interest in HSBC is a matter of public record. As was the case under previous administrations, information relating to the proceedings of Cabinet Committees, including when and how often they meet and which Ministers have attended, is generally not disclosed.

Lord Wallace of Saltaire
Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson (Cabinet Office)
23rd Feb 2015
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether Lord Green of Hurstpierpoint disclosed an interest in, and knowledge about, HSBC before he was appointed as a member of HM Treasury’s Banking Reform Committee; and when he joined and left that Committee.

Lord Green was a member of the Banking Reform Committee for the period 11 January 2011 to 11 December 2013. His interest in HSBC is a matter of public record. As was the case under previous administrations, information relating to the proceedings of Cabinet Committees, including when and how often they meet and which Ministers have attended, is generally not disclosed.

Lord Wallace of Saltaire
Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson (Cabinet Office)
11th Feb 2015
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether it is routine policy for the Cabinet Office to contact HM Revenue and Customs to consult it prior to the appointment of a non-elected Minister.

As was the case under previous administrations, ministerial appointments are a matter for the Prime Minister, in line with the Ministerial Code.

For those individuals upon whom the Prime Minister wishes to confer a life peerage, the independent House of Lords Appointments Commission vets nominations. For those individuals upon whom the Prime Minister wishes to confer a peerage in order that they might sit in the House of Lords to take up a ministerial role, the Commission consults the main regulatory authorities, including HMRC, before giving advice.

22nd Jan 2015
To ask Her Majesty’s Government which Departments, if any, still have outstanding Maxwellisation points in connection with the Chilcot Inquiry.

The Maxwellisation process is a matter for the Inquiry; Sir John Chilcot has described the process as essential and confidential, and to comment further might jeopardise the confidentiality of the process. Once his report is complete, Sir John Chilcot will deliver it to the Prime Minister. It is for Government to publish the report, and once it is delivered we expect to publish without delay.

The daily fees for the Chair and Members of the Inquiry are published on the Inquiry’s website.

Lord Wallace of Saltaire
Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson (Cabinet Office)
22nd Jan 2015
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether Sir John Chilcot requires permission from Her Majesty’s Government to publish his report on Iraq.

The Maxwellisation process is a matter for the Inquiry; Sir John Chilcot has described the process as essential and confidential, and to comment further might jeopardise the confidentiality of the process. Once his report is complete, Sir John Chilcot will deliver it to the Prime Minister. It is for Government to publish the report, and once it is delivered we expect to publish without delay.

The daily fees for the Chair and Members of the Inquiry are published on the Inquiry’s website.

Lord Wallace of Saltaire
Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson (Cabinet Office)