Wrexham MP Ian Lucas has said he is disappointed after his calls for a debate on links between donations to the Conservatives and the sell-off of the Royal Mail were turned down.
During Business questions in the House of Commons yesterday, Mr Lucas told the House: “ A month ago, the Business Secretary told me that links between donations to the Conservative party and profits made from the sale of Royal Mail shares were nothing to do with him.
“Now that we know there are links, may we have an urgent debate on propriety in politics? In a week in which my constituents have seen a Member resign over propriety issues, it is clear that these matters go right to the heart of belief in British politics.”
In reply the Leader of the House, Conservative MP Andrew Lansley, said: “ The hon. Gentleman is simply wrong; there are no such links. I was involved in this area more than 20 years ago, and we made it absolutely clear that in the Conservative party, donations never buy influence over policy.”
He also went on to attack the Labour party.
Speaking afterwards, Mr Lucas said: “The Royal Mail was a national asset and its sale looks to have cost the taxpayer millions as it was undervalued.
“The National Audit Office has criticised the sale, and just this week several members of the Business Select Committee raised concerns about the sale.
“It is a fact that firms who have made large amounts of money from the sale of Royal Mail also happen to be Conservative party donors. People can make up their mind as to whether those facts are linked – and as to why the Government doesn’t want the Commons to discuss them.
“This is a subject that will not go away.”
