A peer has denied breaching parliamentary rules as the Westminster lobbying controversy extended to the House of Lords.
Ulster Unionist Lord Laird said he had referred claims to a sleaze watchdog that he offered to act as a paid advocate for lobbyists.
He was one of three peers caught up in an undercover sting by Sunday Times reporters posing as representatives of an energy firm.
The newspaper said he was recorded setting out ways he could lobby for new laws on behalf of a South Korean solar power firm.
But he insisted he had suspected from the start that they were not genuine.
"In recent days I have been the subject of a scam operated by journalists masquerading as communications consultants," he said in a statement.
"This has led to allegations that I have broken the rules of the House of Lords.
"I wish to make it clear that I did not agree to act as a paid advocate in any proceedings of the House nor did I accept payment or other incentive or reward in return for providing parliamentary advice or services."
He said that because he suspected a scam, he took a journalist to the meeting as a witness.
The Sunday Times said the peers - two Labour - were caught offering to ask parliamentary questions and lobby ministers in return for cash. All three are believed to have referred themselves to the watchdog.
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