THE Leader of the Lords pledged to toughen up antisleaze rules last night after four peers were engulfed in a cash-for-influence row.

Baroness Royall launched two parliamentary inquiries following allegations that Labour members were ready to change legislation in return for money.

Lord Truscott, Lord Moonie, Lord Taylor of Blackburn and Lord Snape face the possibility of a police investigation after the Liberal Democrats filed a complaint with Scotland Yard.

They are accused of entering into negotiations with Sunday Times reporters posing as lobbyists for a foreign firm, with fees of up to £120,000 floated for help in tabling amendments.

All four deny any wrongdoing.

However, The Sunday Times turned up the heat last night by releasing tape recordings of conversations.

In one of the exchanges, Lord Taylor can be heard telling the reporters: “You’ve got to whet my appetite to get me on board.”

Answering an urgent question on the issue in the Upper House, Lady Royall said the Lords sub-committee on interests had started investigating the claims.

She also revealed that she had asked the chairman of the Privileges Committee, Lord Brabazon of Tara, to carry out a review of punishments.

At present, peers found to have broken conduct rules can only be ordered to apologise to the House, and cannot be expelled or suspended.

House of Lords rules ban paid advocacy, but many observers believe there are “grey areas” relating to consultancy services and advice offered for a fee by some peers, who receive expenses, but no salary, for their work in Parliament’s second chamber.

Some of the peers at the centre of the row took the opportunity of Lady Royall’s statement to protest their innocence.

Lord Snape, a former Government Whip, told peers: “As one of those involved in this incident, may I first of all apologise to your Lordships for bringing this House, if I have done so, into disrepute.

“But may I say that these are allegations in a Sunday newspaper. And may I appeal to noble Lords in all parts of the House to allow me the opportunity to refute those allegations before your Lordships’ House and elsewhere?”

Lord Taylor said: “As one of the people that have been named in this article and alleged error, if I have done anything that has brought this House into disrepute, I most humbly apologise.

“But, as the Leader has already said, there is a committee of inquiry going to take place. I would love to give evidence before that committee of inquiry.”

The four peers are expected to give evidence to the interests sub-committee this week.