LETTER:Financial disclosure of MPs' 'consultancies'

From Mr John Paterson Paterson

Sir: Many years ago I was a member of a county borough council. We were required to declare all our financial interests, and they were recorded. Moreover, we were not allowed to speak or vote on any matter in which we had an interest.

When any matter in which we had an interest was under discussion, we formally declared it and left the chamber or committee room until we were invited back after the discussion was completed and the vote taken. This was required by an Act of Parliament, to ensure that we did not use our position as representatives for our own benefit.

Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?

Yours faithfully

John Paterson Paterson

Grappenhall,

Cheshire

2 November