1. We have received a memorandum from the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards concerning a complaint against Mr Julian Brazier, Member for Canterbury, made by Mr John Mann, Member for Bassetlaw and Mr Kevan Jones, Member for North Durham. The complaint relates to a dinner in the House held by the Patron's Club of Canterbury Conservative Association, in relation to which Mr Brazier, the sponsor of the function, was alleged not to have complied fully with the requirements of the Banqueting Regulations. The Commissioner's report is reproduced at Appendix 1.

2. In accordance with our usual practice, we have shown Mr Brazier a copy of the Commissioner's report. He has subsequently submitted a memorandum to us, which is reproduced at Appendix 2.

3. The Commissioner has concluded[1] that the terms in which the annual "dinner for members and their spouses in Parliament"[2] is referred to in invitations to prospective new members of the Patron's Club is a breach of paragraph 5.3 of the Banqueting Regulations. He also considers, given the proportion of the Club's annual income that is contributed to the Association and the centrality of the annual dinner to the activities of the Club, that there is "a strong argument"[3] that the function is playing a direct part in providing resources to it, in breach of paragraph 5.1 of the Banqueting Regulations.

4. Mr Brazier fully accepts the Commissioner's report as to both fact and finding, and has apologised unreservedly for the breach of the Banqueting Regulations.[4]

5. We agree with the Commissioner that the complaint should be upheld. Having regard to the specific circumstances of this case and to Mr Brazier's unreserved apology, we do not recommend any further action to the House in relation to the complaint.

2   Appendix 1, WE 5, p. 14. These events are in practice held in the House of Commons, see WE 4, p. 13. Back

3   Appendix 1, para. 19. Back

4   Appendix 2, p 16. Back