parliamentary agents

In Britain, people who act on behalf of those promoting or petitioning against private bills in Parliament. The parliamentary agents perform the useful function of examining bills on behalf of those affected who have neither the skill nor the time to do it themselves. Many organizations, such as the major industrial associations and associations of employees, employ parliamentary agents to watch their interests.

Various duties and responsibilities are imposed on parliamentary agents by the standing orders and procedure governing private business in both Houses. People other than solicitors must produce a certificate of respectability from a member of Parliament, barrister, or solicitor, and must satisfy the Speaker and Lord Chairman of Committees that they have an adequate knowledge of the relevant procedures. A register of parliamentary agents, which is open to public inspection, is maintained in the Private Bill Offices of the two Houses.