Intelligence and Security Committee

Baroness Laing of Elderslie Excerpts

Tuesday 13th May 2014 Commons Chamber

[Dr Lewis]

I am delighted to know that. I have to admit to the hon. Gentleman that one of the reasons I put myself forward for a place on the Committee was to test the water and see if any of my past nefarious activities, as he would regard them, would result in my being black-balled. I came to the conclusion that I was appointed for one of two reasons: either it was thought that I was so discreet—

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing)]

Order. I fully appreciate the points that the hon. Gentleman is making, but however exceedingly interesting they may be, they do not entirely relate to the very narrow motion before us.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Winnick]

I am puzzled that my right hon. Friend is puzzled. No, I have no personal or political objections to my hon. Friend the Member for Slough (Fiona Mactaggart)—why should I?—but as I thought I had made perfectly clear, I am opposed to a system in which, in the name of the Prime Minister, a Member’s name is simply put before us and we say yea or nay. Let me make it quite clear to my right hon. Friend that I am in favour of democracy and of people going on Committees subject to election, and that includes the ISC.

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing)]

Order. The hon. Gentleman has already made his point—in my judgment, he has made it clearly—and he does not have to repeat it.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Winnick]

That is a disgraceful remark, George, and you know it.

[Madam Deputy Speaker]

Order. No remarks have been made.

Question put and agreed to.