Ex-British minister refers himself to watchdog over cash-for-contacts allegations

Ex-UK minister in cash-for-contacts furor

LONDON — A former British Cabinet minister says he has referred himself to Parliament’s standards watchdog over allegations he touted his access to government for cash.

Stephen Byers, a former transport minister, said Monday he had reported his case to the commissioner for standards.

Byers was filmed by a television documentary crew offering to use his contacts and access on behalf of private clients for 5,000 pounds ($7,500) per day.

He boasted to the undercover television crew that he had been able to alter new laws on behalf of major companies. Byers later insisted he had been exaggerating.

Two other former Cabinet ministers — ex-defense secretary Geoff Hoon and ex-health secretary Patricia Hewitt — were also filmed meeting with the TV crew.