Letter sent to Lord Alliance on Conflict of Interest

FOR THE ATTENTION OF:

Lord Alliance

House of Lords

Thursday 5 April 2012

Dear Lord Alliance,


I would like to ask you a couple of questions regarding a conflict of interest you appear to have.

I note in your registered interests you have shares in a company called Huntsworth plc run by Lord Chadlington.

Do you not think that having shares in a company run by a Conservative, who funded David Cameron's leadership campaign, and a company which gave £15,500 to the party in August last year, and has given money every year since 2008, crosses the boundaries of the coalition somewhat?

Furthermore, one company in the group that make up Huntsworth Health plc, and which you have shares in has involvement in private healthcare. Huntsworth Health's website states how the company ‘provides a full continuum of consulting and communications services to the healthcare and well-being industry.’ 



I consider this is a conflict of interest?

Also can you tell me if the vote you made rejecting Lord Rea's proposal to decline 'to give the bill a second reading' was influenced in any way by your shares in the company?

Finally, would you agree that such conflicts of interests could be avoided if Peers were not allowed to vote when such conflicts arise, as in this case? At local level councillors cannot vote with a prejudicial interest, Do you think this should apply to Lords?

I appreciate your taking the time to read this and would like to hear from you on this matter when you are able?

Yours sincerely,

Andrew Robertson