I wouldn't argue with that. My point was more about the dubious
accuracy of the existing data.
Abi.
Sent from my iPhone.
On 4 Feb 2010, at 16:55, Francis Davey <[email protected]> wrote:
On 4 February 2010 16:27, Abi Broom <[email protected]> wrote:
It is open to the market, in theory; anyone can approach an MP and
say
"hey, would you mind sponsoring my use of the House of Commons
function
rooms?", and if the MP agrees, the only obstacle is the cost.
Its the "if the MP agrees" that's the stumbling block. It acts as a
gateway to the use of the House of Commons that is almost certainly
easier to access if one knows or has good relations with an MP. If I
wanted to organise such an event now it would be very much harder for
me and many other chambers (it was very well attended and popular
amongst solicitors because not many chambers have active MPs who are
also still active members of chambers).
It also leaves MPs open to serious accusations of sleaze, even if that
is entirely unreasonable and without any basis. Would it not be better
to take this sort of thing out of the hands of individual MPs so they
don't have those kinds of invidious choice to make?
Also MPs are only allowed to hold (I think) six events in the diary
at any
one time, and if they've already used their six there's no barrier
to them
Right, so they will have to prioritise some applicants over others and
that, I'm afraid, will raise the question of how they do it. One does
not have to assume bad faith to be concerned about it.
asking an MP chum to step in and sponsor instead. I can think of
at least
one MP who's hosted my events even though I originally asked
someone else
- they'll be on his permanent record now, poor chap...
Indeed. My point exactly.
--
Francis Davey
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