The code of conduct governing the behaviour of MSPs has been published by the Scottish Parliament's standards committee.

The authors of the draft document say it is tough on the rules and goes much further than anything that is in operation at Westminster.

However, despite its contents standards committee convener Mike Rumbles has admitted it will not deal with trivial complaints such as members who refuse to stand for the National Anthem or who criticise the monarchy.

Politicians were keen to learn what was in the document given the so-called lobbygate affair which rocked the parliament last September.

The way ministers work was brought into question after The Observer newspaper published allegations that a Scottish lobby firm offered privileged access to ministers.

Public confidence

The code was already in the process of being written for the parliament - which came into being just over six months ago - when the scandal occurred.

The draft document contains measures which aim to give the public sufficient confidence in its MSPs.

Mr Rumbles said: "I think it is of importance that MSPs can have a document which they can refer to for good guidance on a number of issues.

"But it is equally important that the public see a robust guide which they have confidence in.

"This is a far tougher document than any at Westminster and ensures that the so-called cash-for-questions scandal would not happen here.

"We are trying to give good guidance on good and acceptable behaviour."

The code will cover everything from outside earnings and election expenses, to gifts and overseas visits.

But it is in the area of professional lobbyists which will be closely examined.

Declaring interests

Under the new rules, MSPs will be banned from promoting any matter in return for any kind of benefit and they must declare any interests.

And if they fail to comply, the politicians could be in danger of facing criminal prosecution.

The code also covers behaviour in the chamber.

It decrees that;

• MSPs must not walk across the floor

• They must not use mobile phones

• They must not read newspapers

• And they must not sing without prior permission

The document, which was published on Tuesday, will be debated by the parliament later in the month.

But the work will not stop once it has been agreed - the code is likely to evolve along with the parliament.

The lobbygate allegations resulted in the parliament's standards committee investigating Finance Minister Jack McConnell.

He was named during a secretly taped conversation between Kevin Reid and Alex Barr, two lobbyists with PR firm Beattie Media.

Mr Reid told of his links with the Secretary of State for Scotland, John Reid, who is father.

And Mr Barr implied strong links with some Scottish Parliament ministers including Mr McConnell.

The tapes were made public and Mr Dewar launched an investigation.

The standards committee conducted an inquiry which saw Mr Reid, Mr Barr, the head of Beattie Media, Gordon Beattie, Mr McConnell and his secretary, Christina Marshall, all giving evidence.

Mr McConnell was cleared of any improper behaviour.