The Government is committed to introducing a statutory register of lobbyists. The aim is to increase the information available about lobbyists without unduly restricting lobbyists' freedom and ability to represent the views of the businesses, groups, charities and other individuals and organisations they represent or to deter members of the public from getting involved in policy making. This consultation paper asks a number of specific questions whose answers will help inform the drafting of the legislation that will be brought in. The key questions are: on the definition of lobbying and lobbyists; who should or should not be required to register; what information should be provided in the register; how often should the register be updated; what sanctions might be appropriate; who should run the register? An annex includes background information, jncluding reference to the Public Administration Select Committee report on lobbying (1st report session 2008-09, HC 36-I, ISBN 9780215525598), the Government response (PASC 8th special report, HC 1058, ISBN 9780215541499), and details of other jurisdictions' approaches to lobbying regulation. (PASC also did a follow-up on developments since its earlier inquiry: 5th report of session 2009-10 (HC 108, ISBN 9780215542649) to which the Government responded (3rd special report, HC 393, ISBN 9780215544421)).