Since 2002 there has been a Code of Conduct which has set out a number of rules for the conduct of Members of the House of Lords, which relates, amongst other things to the registration and declaration of interests.The code is available at http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld/ldcond/ldcond.htm
The first complaints were slow in coming, but a few have now been made, and so the Committee for Privileges has decided to propose more detailed guidance for the making and consideration of complaints. Essentially, complaints will initially be sifted by the Registrar of Interests - and manifestly frivolous complaints or those outside the scope of the Code will be rejected. Remaining complaints will be given a more detailed assessment by the Chair of the Sub-Committee on Lords Interests. He will make a recommendation to the Sub-Committee who can investigate the matter further - inviting a response from the member to the complaint made.
Remedial action may be agreed, or the Sub-Committee may pursue the matter further, ultimately reporting to the Committee of Privileges.
The report is available at http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200708/ldselect/ldprivi/205/205.pdf
