(9 years, 11 months ago)
Commons ChamberI am delighted that my hon. Friend has put this motion before the House today. Is he aware that I understand from an answer to me that the panel was completely unaware that Carol Mills was undergoing investigation—two investigations, actually—by the Australian Senate before it made its decision? Moreover, Saxton Bampfylde wished to inform the panel that that was the case, and the panel was advised not to take evidence from it.
Order. There are lots of speakers on the list, including the hon. Member for Lichfield (Michael Fabricant), who I want to get in early on, so we must have very short interventions.
(9 years, 12 months ago)
Commons ChamberOn a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. I wanted to raise a number of questions today regarding the appointment of Carol Mills and, in particular, the consultants, Saxton Bampfylde. These questions need to be addressed to Mr Speaker, who I see has scurried off. I am just wondering whether that was always planned or whether perhaps he was avoiding such questions.
I can reassure the hon. Gentleman that I was meant to take the Chair earlier and that when I took over Mr Speaker had been in the Chair for longer than expected. The hon. Gentleman has made his point, but it is not a matter for the Chair. I reassure the House that Mr Speaker does not scurry away.
(11 years, 1 month ago)
Commons ChamberOn a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. In the light of the fact that the International Monetary Fund has upgraded the United Kingdom’s projection for growth, and that the European zone’s projection has been downgraded, I wonder whether you have been given any indication whether the Chancellor of the Exchequer will be making a statement, as I, for one, would like to congratulate him.
On the last part of the hon. Gentleman’s question, I think that he has already achieved what he wants. The answer to the first part of his question is no.
Third Reading