Question

To ask the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, representing the House of Commons Commission, what guidance the Commission has provided on whether the provisions on hon. Members being required to report linked donations and declaring the identity of the ultimate donor, under Category 2(a), includes donations made through unincorporated associations or members' associations which in turn have been funded by a third party donor; and whether such ultimate donors should be permissible donors.

The Commission does not issue guidance on the registration of Members’ Financial interests. The Committee on Standards periodically reviews the Code of Conduct and Guide to the Rules relating to the Conduct of Members and makes recommendations for changes for the House to consider.

The rules on registering donations under both Category 2(a) and 2(b) are set out in paragraphs 14 to 20 of The Guide to the Rules relating to the Conduct of Members. Those rules do not require the provision of information on individuals or organisations that donate to unincorporated associations or members’ associations which in turn, make donations to Members.

The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards has issued an Advice Note on the transparency of registration of income, donations and other financial interests which explains the importance of transparency when registering financial interests. Advice Notes are designed to supplement, and not supersede or contradict, specific provisions of the Code.

The permissibility of donors is a matter for the Electoral Commission, not the Commission.