CENTRAL Lancashire Euro MP Mark Hendrick is accusing the Conservatives' European allies of "sleaze" for putting back Labour efforts to introduce tough new standards for the declaration of financial interests in the European Parliament.

Mr Hendrick said he and Labour colleagues fought long and hard for tougher rules on disclosing Euro MPs' financial interests - and he is furious Tory allies in the European Parliament voted to put back any decision on proposals. The rules would have forced Euro MPs to declare all paid professional activities and all payments in cash or kind above the value of £840 .

They would also require lobbyists to declare all payments in cash or kind to Euro MPs above £840.

The proposals have been referred back to the rules committee of the European Parliament of further discussion.

"The public has a right to expect the highest possible standards and total openness from elected representatives," said Mr Hendrick.

"I support the proposal by Labour and its Socialist colleagues to set up a register of Euro MPs' interests.

"I will continue to fight to ensure the rules for the declaration of financial interests of Euro MPs are as tough as those agreed in Westminster."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.