Letter: Robinson is innocent

Friday 23 January 1998 00:02 GMT

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Sir: Your heading "Robinson censured by MPs" (21 January) is inaccurate. The decision on Geoffrey Robinson's involvement in the Orion Trust by both the Parliamentary Commissioner, Sir Gordon Downey, and the Standards and Privileges Committee, of which I am a member, was that there was no breach of the rules. How can you interpret a "not guilty" verdict as a censure?

The committee did however take the view that to be on the safe side members generally (including Mr Robinson) would be wise to take Sir Gordon's advice when possible interests in trusts arise. I believe the committee's guidance, if followed, should assist all members in avoiding unfounded criticism in the future.

MICHAEL FOSTER MP

(Hastings and Rye, Lab)

House of Commons

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