Public Cannot Access Declarations of Interest by MPs: Speaker

Direct interests declared by members of Parliament are not for public viewing and are not public information.

The former Speaker of Parliament, Sir Peter Kenilorea made the clarification yesterday before the meeting.

Sir Peter said all MPs have disclosed their interests and failing to do so would result in a member not permitted to take the oath.

He said he was pleased to inform the House that all elected MPs have duly declared such interests for purposes of Standing Order 78.

"While on that topic I wish to clarify one point to the members of the public. Declarations made by members of Parliament to the Speaker under Standing Order 78 are not for public viewing and are not public information," said the outgoing Speaker.

"Such declarations are made to enable the Speaker to assess whether or not a members has a conflict of interest in respect of a motion, bill or other item of business currently before the House."

The former Speaker of Parliament said the assessment is very important because Standing Order 78 (3) does not permit a member who has a conflict of interest in respect of a motion or other items of business to participate in that business.