Peter Walker’s dismissal of the Institute of Public Relations Register
of Lobbyists as ‘ill-conceived’ (PR Week, 27 October) ignores the fact
that it was set up in the public interest and in keeping with the
Institute’s Code of Professional Conduct.
Parliament has failed to make decisions on the outside interest of
members of the two Houses, although it is possible that, following
Nolan, new regulations may be introduced. Presumably, these could lead
the IPR to review its Register.
If Peter Walker were elected President any change would require a
decision by the IPR’s elected Council. The President has no power to
‘get rid of it’ by decree. He or she is not a dictator.
Alan Eden-Green Hon FIPR, Michael Ward FIPR
