Appendix 5: Letter to Kevin Barron from
Nadine Dorries
Thank you for your letter of October 22nd
enclosing a brief from Michael Carpenter, which detailed in full
the legal position with respect to confidentiality clauses signed
by myself on behalf of Averbrook Ltd.
This letter was extremely helpful. Each time I have
signed confidentiality clauses, at the time of signing, I have
been advised both of the potential consequences of breaking such
a clause and the penalties that I may incur should I render myself
in breach of contract under civil law.
However, at the time of undertaking and agreeing
to sign and abide by such confidentiality clauses I was regretfully
entirely unaware of the situation detailed in Mr Carpenter's letter.
I signed contracts in good faith on the basis that I could abide
by what I had agreed.
Moving forward with this new information, I will
seek to ensure that future contract wording is amended to include
the exemption and provisions detailed within the letter.
For the avoidance of doubt, I unequivocally never
sought to impede in any way the Commissioner's inquiry.
In respect of both the code and guidance there is
unfortunately an ambiguity, which fails to make clear to members
their responsibilities in terms of the declaration of outside
interests and contractual obligations.
I have at all times endeavoured to assist the Standard's
Commissioner with her inquiry and hopefully I have demonstrated
this by responding to each of her letters, frequently, if not
always, on the same day they were received.
Prior to receiving your letter, I asked my accountant
to forward to me figures for the company accounts, which provide
the gross income and profit. Figures that I am aware are not publicly
available.
Yesterday, I sought to register in the register of
member's interest the approximate gross income for Averbrook Ltd
from Oct 31st 2012, the date I became involved in Averbrook
to 30th Oct 2013 and the approximate company profits.
If a minor adjustment is required following final
accounting I shall amend appropriately. I have also drawn down
an annual dividend payment of £10,000 and attempted to register
this sum.
The gross income accounts for sixty days work of
which the majority are Sundays and some Saturdays. This does not
include contributions to the company from the other director and
shareholder.
The gross income has been derived from publishing,
a Sun newspaper column (not online), writing assignments and numerous
media appearances. I have registered all the monies
received by Averbrook and hope that the committee views this voluntary
declaration as a demonstration of my willingness to both fully
acknowledge and comply with the spirit of openness and transparency.
Unfortunately, the registrar has declined to register
the information I have submitted which has now been forwarded
to the committee clerk. Please see email chain enclosed. Once
again, I would like to thank you for taking the time to obtain
the advice from the Speaker's Counsel, which will certainly be
very helpful going forward and which provides valuable clarity.
31 October 2013
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