Damming the sleaze: The new code of conduct and the outside interests of MPs in the British House of commons

The Nolan Committee on Standards of Conduct in Public Life was established in October 1994 and issued its first report in May 1995. Among its recommendations was that a code of conduct should be established for British MPs, enforced by the House of Commons, with the advice of a Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards. These recommendations were accepted and a Code of Conduct was subsequently approved by the House. The Code and its accompanying Guidelines have important implications for the working practices of MPs, especially in relations to their outside interests. On what grounds can paid outside interests be justified? How much is it a question of keeping in touch with the ‘real world'? How much is it a question of a necessary supplement to the parliamentary salary?