British Panel Drafts New Rules to Curb ‘Sleaze’ in Politics

In a far-reaching shake-up of ethics standards for British officials, a special investigating commission here recommended new rules Thursday for members of Parliament and government ministers to remove the “sleaze factor” from public service.

Prime Minister John Major quickly endorsed the “broad thrust” of the report from the panel, headed by Lord Michael Nolan.

The Nolan Committee was formed last year after charges were made that lawmakers had received money for posing questions in the House of Commons to help certain businesses.

Other government ministers were accused of having had their hotel bills paid by individuals who stood to profit from favorable laws and decisions by the government.

The Nolan Committee, in its major recommendations, called for:

* A ban on members of Parliament working for companies that lobby Parliament.

* Full disclosure of lawmakers’ earnings and their contacts for parliamentary services.

* Regulation of Cabinet ministers’ employment after they leave their posts, with special focus on conflict-of-interest issues in their jobs for two years after they depart office.

* Creation of a parliamentary “commissioner for standards” to deal with ethics complaints.

The Nolan Committee’s 100-page report was welcomed by many members of Parliament from the Labor and Liberal Democratic parties.

But it was received with less enthusiasm by lawmakers who rely on outside income and argue they have a clearer view of the commercial world.

Further, they say current parliamentary salaries alone do not attract top-notch officeholders. Backbench lawmakers receive $53,000 in annual salary. Under the parliamentary system, if they become government junior ministers, their overall pay increases to $88,000; Cabinet ministers make $108,500.