This is the conclusion of my research on PNSD and its powers, I for one do not believe in getting into a vehicle that has no engine. Some may persuade one to take a journey in such a vehicle. After getting in the vehicle, one may find that, you are the ones who have to do the pushing as you got into a vehicle with no engine. Now I want to disclose my source.

In the UK Parliament, there is what is known as the Registrar who sets out guidelines for groups like the PNSD. No group can exit without the registrar say so. Since the PNSD comes under the Registrars domain. I wrote the following letter to the Registrar:

Ms. Wainwright
Assistant Registrar
Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards
House of Commons
London SW1A OAA
19th July 07

Dear Ms. Wainwright,
I am studying history and function of the British Parliament, I have learnt much from the information provided on the subject. However I am unable to understand one issue which I am not able to comprehend. I would be grateful if you could help me on this matter.

The issue I am concerned is with the all party groups register. I notice that there are groups ranging from Aids to Youth Hostels. There are groups such as Animal welfare, football club, National Self Determinations and Opera and so on. Some of the groups are On Approved list and some are not.

Now my questions are theses;

1. Are the groups mentioned above, i: e the All Party Groups, are these groups formed by an Act of Parliament?
2. Or by the command of the British Government?
3. The Groups which are not on the Approved list are formed also by the Act of British Parliament? As well as the ones which are on the Approved list?
4. What responsibility has the Parliament given to the All Party Groups?
5. What power do the All Party Groups have?
I would be grateful for your help in clearing up my questions.

Thanking you
Vikishe Sema

Dear Mr Sema

Thank you for your enquiry.

APGs have no official status and are viewed as relatively informal in parliamentary terms, hence Parliament does not provide any funding for them and does not give them any powers. They are not appointed by Act of Parliament or by the command of the British Government and have no formal responsibilities other than complying with the rules laid down by the House of Commons. These are set out in the Guide to the Rules on All-Party Groups.

The main listing of APGs is the Register of All-Party Groups. The difference between the Register and the Approved List is as follows. Any group that is open to Members of more than one party and has at least one MP amongst its officers is required to include its details on the Register.

Groups may additionally apply for inclusion on the 'Approved List', though this is voluntary. Most groups do apply because this entitles them to certain privileges (eg the use of the word 'parliamentary' in their title). So with the exception of a handful of APGs, most are on both the Register and the Approved List.

There are currently over 500 groups. They vary enormously is terms of their chosen subject, size, constitution, funding, levels of activity, and involvement with external organisations who have an interest in the work of the group.

You may wish to look at our website www.parliament.uk/pcs where you will find the Register and also the Guide to the Rules in the 'Publications' section there.

Yours sincerely
Philippa Wainwright
Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards
[Tel: 020 7219 0401]

• In and Outs of PNSD