Stein Erik Lauvås (Ap) is both a parliamentary representative and a lobbyist for equestrian sports. It is special that Norsk Rikstoto uses Lauvås in contact with the government apparatus, believes Tage Pettersen (H).
– This happens in complete transparency. There are no secrets and Storting politicians talk to the secretaries of state as it is, says Storting Stein representative Erik Lauvås (Ap).
VG previously stated that Lauvås was credited with abolishing a tax that cost the Norwegian National Treasury NOK 120 million per year. This summer he became vice president of the foundation, which has a monopoly on horse racing in Norway. For this position on the board, he receives NOK 150,000 in annual fees.
I the settings on the board of Norsk Rikstoto, it was stressed that “Lauvås will contribute with a network of contacts towards the government and Storting” – that is, his parliamentary colleagues and party colleagues in government.
Now Lauvås will meet with his party colleagues in government, on behalf of Rikstoto. This is demonstrated in a document to which VG has obtained access:
On September 30, Rikstoto director Camilla Garmann sent an e-mail to the Ministry of Culture and Equality. There you ask for a meeting between President Silvija Seres, Lauvås and a secretary of state.
The background is that Seres and Lauvås “want a meeting with the secretary of state to talk a little about the new gambling law coming into effect soon, the appointment of a new council, etc.” Garmann writes.
Norsk Rikstoto has a gambling monopoly in equestrian sports in Norway, namely horse racing at trot and gallop.
Ingvill Tandstad, communications consultant for the Ministry of Culture and Equality, confirms to VG that he has agreed on a meeting on 1 December between Rikstoto and Secretary of State Gry Haugsbakken (Ap).
– Special
This meeting activity receives criticism from one of Lauvås desk colleagues at Storting: Tage Pettersen (H), who is also a parliamentary representative of Østfold. Additionally, he is president of the Norwegian Ice Hockey Association.
Pettersen points out that he is not criticizing the Lauvås office or that the AP politician receives compensation.
– But it’s special that Norsk Rikstoto uses Stein Erik in dating requests, he says.
– When we Storting representatives have different hats, it is very important to be aware of which hat we wear on which occasion, he continues.
– Open, normal and natural
There are others in the Norwegian Ice Hockey Association who need to be responsible for contacts with Storting and the government, Pettersen says.
– As president of ice hockey, I am very aware that the vice president or the general secretary must be responsible for the dialogue with politicians.
Lauvås has a different view on the matter:
– I still believe that the position I hold and that I have talks with the secretaries of state is open, normal and natural, he tells VG.
– Tage Pettersen criticizes your name being used to respond to inquiries from the ministry. Do you understand the criticisms?
– I agree with Tage Pettersen in everything he says, but I firmly believe that this is done in full transparency, says Lauvås.
– Sense, wise and good
He points out that it was Rikstoto Garmann’s director who sent the request for a meeting to the ministry, where she writes that Seres and Lauvås want a meeting.
– It is sensible, wise and good to have good contacts with the ministry that will create new regulations and govern the gambling law, says Lauvås.
– Will you meet the Secretary of State as a parliamentary representative or deputy leader of the Norwegian Rikstoto?
– Obviously I can’t take off one hat after another. They are both and it’s no secret.
Say no to taxes
While Lauvås receives NOK 150,000 per year for the position of deputy leader, Pettersen says he has waived the remuneration.
– Why do you have it?
– Because it is orderly to remove any factors that may contribute to cast a light of suspicion as to why something is being done, he tells VG.
– I think Stein Erik would have managed to get exactly the same regardless of remuneration and his name in meeting requests, but it adds an unnecessary burden to those who have us as board members.
Storting representatives are not bound by the same rules of jurisdiction as the administration. But:
– For some things it is wise to give up, says Pettersen.
Lauvås disagrees and points out that it is the ministry that approved the remuneration, not the council on which he sits.
– Tage Pettersen makes his assessments on this, and I respect that, but it is not problematic that I will meet the Secretary of State and discuss how Rikstoto will operate with the new gambling law. It is important to have a dialogue so that there are no misunderstandings, he says.
