Harriet Harman Impossible to Sustain Employing Family Members
Committee on Standards in Public Life First Day
Harriet Harman told Sir Christopher Kelly that although spouses and relatives often worked harder than other people, "I think it is almost impossible to convince the public that actually there is fair employment opportunity.
"I think my own view is that it is just too difficult to sustain public confidence."
Ms Harman also said "barracks-style" accommodation for MPs to use during the week, funded by taxpayers, would not be feasible for members with families who did not want to be separated from them between Monday and Thursday.
"It does have to be recognised that we do not want a parliament that is exclusively made up of people who are prepared to set their family life entirely on one side," she said.
Her Conservative and Liberal Democrat opposite numbers, Alan Duncan and David Heath, are also attending the first public hearing.
All the main parties in Westminster said they will accept the proposals.
Published on June 16th, 2009 by chris