Legislative scrutiny: Parliamentary Standards Bill nineteenth report of session 2008-09 report, together with formal minutes

House of Lords papers 124 2008-09. House of Commons papers 844 2008-09

Corporate Author:

Great Britain Parliament Joint Committee on Human Rights

Author:

Andrew Dismore (chairman)

Publisher:

TSO (The Stationery Office)

The Parliamentary Standards Bill, which was introduced to the House of Commons on 23 June and is expected to complete all of its Commons stages on 1 July, is intended to create a system of independent regulation of MPs' salaries, allowances and financial interests. The Committee notes the Bill is being rushed into the statute book and will not receive proper scrutiny as a result. In its view, the Bill is not compatible with Article 6(1) of the European Convention on Human Rights, in respect of an MP's right to a fair hearing. It recommends that the Bill should be amended to include procedural safeguards - such as the opportunity to call and examine witnesses - where disciplinary action is being considered. The report also recommends that there should be a right of appeal to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council against decisions of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority and the House of Commons which amount either to the determination of a criminal charge or which determine an MP's civil rights.

Extent	[2], 17p.	ISBN	9780108444524
Size	N/A	Price	£6.50
Binding	Paperback	Published	06 Jul 2009
Availability	Colour copy: 3 - 5 days	Delivery	Delivery options and charges

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