Parliament & Politics: The House

Watchdog's powers questioned

ELIZABETH FILKIN, the new Parliamentary Standards Commissioner should not necessarily be given the power to investigate ministers' financial affairs, Commons Leader Margaret Beckett said.

Schools must teach citizenship

A GREATER emphasis on citizenship lessons in schools will improve pupils' understanding of political issues when they come to vote in referendums, said the Education minister Charles Clarke.

Parliament visit `costs too much'

MPs JOINTLY condemned plans to charge visitors to the Houses of Parliament up to pounds 7 during the summer recess.

Today's Business: Neither House is sitting today.