CONDUCT OF LORD SIMON AND SALE OF BP SHARES

Early day motion 210, tabled 7 July 1997 by John Bercow (Conservative). Signed by 53 members.

That this House regrets that Lord Simon, the Minister for Trade and Competitiveness in Europe has failed to sell his ú2 million shareholding in BP and has failed to register this interest in the Lords Register; expresses grave concern that as recently as 3rd July the President of the Board of Trade told the House she did not know of the Minister's financial interests; finds unconvincing the Government's assurance that Lord Simon is not involved in any Treasury or DTI business which poses an actual or apparent conflict of interest with his shareholding; is worried how strictly the rules were enforced when the President of the Board of Trade was unaware of the need to enforce them; and calls for the resignation of the Minister in order to avoid any future problems in registering interests and to avoid any conflicts between them.

Signatures by party: Conservative 53.