MANDATORY REGISTER OF LOBBYISTS

That this House notes the commitment by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) to register all members who engage in lobbying to the UK Public Affairs Council (UKPAC) register of lobbyists; further notes that the CIPR 2011 Annual Report states that they have 630 members who lobby, of which only 259 are on the UKPAC register; believes that this is clear evidence that self-regulations of the lobbying industry has failed; further believes that a mandatory register of lobbyists is vital to ensure transparency, fairness and propriety in the UK's political system; and calls on the Government to bring forward legislation for a mandatory register of lobbyists as soon as possible.