Call to Make Politicians' Diaries Available for Public Scrutiny

Copyright 2001 Scotsman Publications Ltd.

The Scotsman

August 20, 2001, Monday

SECTION: Pg. 8

LENGTH: 305 words

HEADLINE: CALL TO MAKE POLITICIANS' DIARIES AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC SCRUTINY

BYLINE: David Scott Scottish Political Editor

BODY: A LEADING business organisation has called for the diaries of ministers and MSPs to be open to public scrutiny amid fears over the extent of political lobbying. The Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) claims the Scottish parliament's plans to set up a statutory register of lobbyists are unworkable. It says it would be easier to regulate, and expose to public scrutiny, the diaries and workings of the 129 MSPs.

The parliament's standards committee has also been told by public relations professionals that its proposal is illegal and may breach the European Convention on Human Rights. The committee proposed that commercial lobbying organisations should be required to register with the parliament after an investigation into their activities.

The inquiry started after the "lobbygate" affair in which it was claimed that one public affairs company, Beattie Media, had privileged access to ministers' diaries. Allegations of misconduct were rejected after an investigation, but it was decided that an inquiry should be held into whether rules were needed to control the activities of lobbyists who operate on behalf of clients who want to influence MSPs decision-making.

In a submission to the committee, the SCDI says it is unconvinced of the merits of the principle of registration but suggests systems should be put in place to make it clear no organisation can guarantee preferential access to MSPs.

The SCDI believes the focus should be on MSPs' conduct and responsibilities, rather than the organisations in contact with them. It adds: "Put simply, it would be easier to regulate, and expose to public scrutiny, the diaries and workings of 129 MSPs than to attempt to regulate the activities of the many hundreds of commercial and non-commercial lobbyists."

LOAD-DATE: August 20, 2001