The Scottish Parliament today made available its first Register of Interests of Members. In terms of a transitional order made by the Secretary of State under the Scotland Act, members of the Scottish Parliament must register all financial interests which could compromise the member’s ability to act impartially.

These interests, which include paid employment, directorships and sponsorship, must also be declared at subsequent, relevant proceedings of the Parliament, including debates and Committee meetings.

Welcoming publication of the Register, Presiding Officer Sir David Steel said:

"The Scottish people quite rightly have high hopes that their Parliament will operate in an open and transparent way. They will expect the highest of standards from their elected representatives and the Register of Members’ Interests is an important step to ensuring that the motives and actions of all MSPs are beyond reproach."

BACKGROUND NOTES  

1. The Register will be available on the Scottish Parliament Website. Members of the public and media can view a loose-leaf paper version of the register at the Standards Committee Office, Parliamentary Headquarters, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh.

2. In terms of a transitional order made by the Secretary of State under the Scotland Act all MSPs must have declared their financial interests by 18 June 1999. These interests must then be recorded in the Register of Members’ Interests within 30 days.

3. Copies of the Register will be available in due course for purchase from outlets of the Stationery Office.