Ministerial Gifts and Hospitality
Debate between Baroness Butler-Sloss and Baroness Smith of Basildon(1 month, 1 week ago)
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Baroness Butler-Sloss (CB)
My Lords, as an independent, I was glad that this Government came in. However, what has upset me is the high moral tone this Government came in with, before then having freebies. I wonder whether the Government recognise that I am not the only person who is upset by a combination of a high moral tone and freebies.
Baroness Smith of Basildon (Lab)
My Lords, it is right that we would all want to take a high moral tone because we want the standards of this House and the other place to be as high as possible. The definition of “freebies” is rather emotive, and people make their own judgments about it. For me, two things are important: first, the transparency when an invitation is provided, and, secondly, whether there is a transactional expectation —if somebody expects something in return. That is what I think people are most concerned about. If there is no transactional relationship, it is appropriately declared and it is in the limits provided for, people have to make their judgments about whether they accept such hospitality or gifts.
Government Standards
Debate between Baroness Butler-Sloss and Baroness Smith of Basildon(4 months ago)
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Baroness Smith of Basildon (Lab)
Of course. It is a given that for good decision-making it is necessary to have good input from different sources. I am unclear why the noble Baroness asked that; I would have thought it was an automatic requisite of good decision-making.
Baroness Butler-Sloss (CB)
Should the House of Lords Appointments Commission be given teeth so as always to have appropriate people as Members of the House?