The Committee on Standards in Public Life has published its consultation document on the conduct of MPs.

The committee, chaired by Sir Nigel Wicks, is beginning a review of Commons self-regulation, a move prompted by the row that led to the departure of former parliamentary standards commissioner Elizabeth Filkin.

"We will examine whether the arrangements and their implementation are sufficient to assure the public that the highest standards of propriety are being upheld," the committee says in its consultation document.

Issues the committee will examine include the level of current concern about MPs' behaviour and whether self regulation is proving to be a satisfactory way of meeting those concerns.

With Filkin having criticised the role of the Commons standards and privileges committee in watering down her criticisms of ministers, the committee will also examine whether present arrangements are capable of retaining public confidence.

"We will be looking at the work of the committee on standards and privileges. We will be looking at its work in general," Sir Nigel said at a press conference launching the consultation document.

Concern about the decision to cut the number of hours which the standards commissioner is expected to work has also prompted the Wicks committee examine whether Philip Mawer, Filkin's successor, will have sufficient resources and powers.

Rules on the registration of interests, paid advocacy and relationships with lobbyists will also be reviewed.

"This inquiry should not be seen as making a judgement about standards of conduct in the Commons," emphasised Sir Nigel, adding that the committee would not be examining individual cases but would be "informed" by recent events.

Written submissions will be sought on the basis of the issues and questions raised in the consultation paper, followed by public hearings.

"One session may be held in Scotland to take evidence on developments which are relevant in the Scottish parliament," said Sir Nigel.

Ministers

Concern about the operation of the code of conduct for ministers, with the Conservatives calling for it to be monitored independently rather than by the prime minister, the committee is also likely to examine the code's relationship with separate guidelines for MPs.

"We are looking at the system as a whole," said Sir Nigel.

Fellow committee member Lord MacGregor said that "some distinction" needed to be made between issues facing ministers and MPs.

With the committee also running a parallel inquiry into the relationship between ministers, special advisers and civil servants, Lord MacGregor said issues that cut across the subjects could be reviewed fully.

Public concern

While Wicks emphasised that standards of behaviour were generally very high in Britain, he acknowledged public concern about the issue.

"If our enquiry can do anything to support public confidence, we will," Sir Nigel promised.

He added: "My feeling, and there is some evidence to support this, is that if you ask members of the public about their MP you get a much better answer than if you ask about politicians in general."

Lord MacGregor noted that one of the effects of having a robust system for investigating complaints was that every "sleaze" allegation attracted media coverage that was not always "related to the merits of the case".

Filkin row

Elizabeth Filkin is expected to be asked to give evidence to the committee when it begins its public hearings.

"I would be surprised if we don't want to seek evidence from Elizabeth Filkin...but we cannot compel individuals to attend," Sir Nigel said.

The departure of Filkin prompted concern among the Wicks committee members that MPs were failing to abide by the terms of self-regulation.

The House of Commons Commission declined to automatically reappoint Filkin to her post, amid claims by some MPs that she had been "overzealous" in her enforcement of the rules and had leaked information about her investigations to MPs.

But Filkin hit back, saying she would not be reapplying for her post because her independence could no longer be guaranteed.

And she said MPs and ministers had been guilty of seeking to undermine her investigations by conducting a "whispering campaign" against her.

Filkin had conducted a series of high-profile investigations into the affairs of MPs, including Peter Mandelson and Keith Vaz, who has now been suspended from the Commons for one month for obstructing her inquiry.

The row over Filkin's departure prompted Sir Nigel to write to the Speaker, Michael Martin, last November expressing his concern at the downgrading of the post.