Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lindsay Roy and Mark Harper

Tuesday 20th March 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Harper]

The hon. Gentleman raises a good point. Nothing that we intend to do is intended to stop people legitimately lobbying their Members of Parliament. Indeed, we have set out that lobbying is a good thing to make sure we are aware of the impact of our legislation. The important thing is that it is carried out transparently, and that is what we are aiming to achieve.

[Lindsay Roy (Glenrothes) (Lab)]

May I ask the Deputy Prime Minister what arrangements he has put in place to define lobbying?

[Mr Harper]

The hon. Gentleman may ask me, as I am answering the question. We are carrying out a consultation exercise, listening to the industry, to the public and to organisations campaigning for transparency. When we have done that, we will weigh up everything that has been said. We will then publish draft legislation for full pre-legislative scrutiny.