David Cameron's legislation aimed at preventing lobbying scandals has been dismissed as a "dog's breakfast" by the chairman of the Commons committee examining the bill.
Labour MP Graham Allen, who heads the Political and Constitutional Reform Committee, said the lobbying bill lacked credibility and would not open up the £2bn lobbying industry to effective scrutiny.
"The new lobbying law is rushed and ridiculous," he told the Independent.
"Instead of addressing the prime minister's promise to 'shine the light of transparency' on lobbying, this flawed legislation will mean we'll all be back in a year facing another scandal. It is a dog's breakfast."
Allen has taken the unusual step of recalling his committee during the MPs' summer break for a series of special hearings to take further evidence from leading figures in the industry.
The bill is due to start its passage through Parliament when MPs return to Westminster, but Allen hopes the move will force ministers to rethink their plans.
It reflects concern that while the legislation would establish a statutory register of lobbyists, only firms that say it is their main business would need to register – excluding many key players.
www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/aug/19/david-cameron-lobbying-bill-dogs-breakfast
Show Konversi KodeHide Konversi Kode Show EmoticonHide Emoticon