Procedure Committee

Debate between Lord Hughes of Woodside and Lord Laming

Wednesday 16th December 2015 Lords Chamber

[The Chairman of Committees]

My Lords, clearly it is for the committee to decide how to conduct its business. It would be for the committee to ensure that the arrangements are satisfactory not just for the committee members but for members of the public who are in the room and for the webcast. Therefore, the arrangements have to satisfy all the different aspects involved in taking evidence in committee.

[Lord Hughes of Woodside (Lab)]

My Lords, how will the committee decide whether a Member’s intention to take a leave of absence is genuine or not? Is someone going to decide whether the explanation given is acceptable?

[The Chairman of Committees]

My Lords, this is a self-regulating House, as we all know. We all of us act on our honour. If someone is willing to state that that is their intention, that will be accepted.