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Richmond upon Thames Liberal Democrats:Covering the constituencies of Twickenham and Richmond Park |
Harris quizzes Harman on the Back-Bench Business Committee
March 13, 2010 12:26 PM
• . . Evan Harris (Oxford West & Abingdon, Liberal Democrat): ON a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I am glad that the Leader of the House is in her place-or nearly in her place-for this point of order. Last Thursday, historically, the House agreed without a Division to set up a Back-Bench Business Committee in time for the start of the next Parliament. Will you confirm, Mr. Speaker, that the only way that can be done is if a Standing Order is passed in this Parliament to do that job?
Will you further confirm that, at least for the time being, that Standing Order can only be put on the agenda above the line by the Government? Finally, will you confirm that, given that the House has spoken overwhelmingly in favour of the matter, it would be a block to necessary and voted-for reform and would, indeed, defy the will of the House if that Standing Order were not brought forward by this Government in this Parliament to be passed and to implement the will of the House as voted for last Thursday?
303)
[10040.]
John Bercow (Speaker): The Leader of the House is present and may want to respond, but the hon. Gentleman's supposition about the Standing Order is, in my judgment, correct and work is in hand. I know that he is by nature-perhaps rightly-of a suspicious disposition, but I do not think that he should be too suspicious. If the Leader of the House wants to comment, she is welcome to do so but she is under no obligation.
304)
[10260.]
Harriet Harman (Lord Privy Seal, House of Commons; Camberwell & Peckham, Labour): Further to that point of order, I can reassure Dr. Harris that of course we will not defy the will of the House. We are completely clear that once a resolution is passed by the House that requires Standing Orders to put it into effect, that is what will happen next. Throughout all this, there has been a climate of unwarranted suspicion. We should all be pleased and gratified with the progress that has been made and the hon. Gentleman should be confident that further progress will be made.
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