Political and Constitutional Reform

Debate between Alec Shelbrooke and Nick Clegg

Monday 5th July 2010 Commons Chamber

[The Deputy Prime Minister]

We have been very clear in the coalition agreement that we want to see the introduction of a Bill for fixed-term Parliaments in which exceptional elections will be just that, and so that we will never again be subjected to the pantomime of 2007, when the Government of this country were paralysed by the Prime Minister’s dithering and indecision on whether or not to call an election. The Liberal Democrats and Conservatives have finally put an end to that.

[Alec Shelbrooke (Elmet and Rothwell) (Con)]

Will the Deputy Prime Minister confirm that with an approximate 8% reduction in the number of MPs, there will also be at least an 8% reduction in the ridiculously high administrative costs of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority?

[The Deputy Prime Minister]

IPSA, as the hon. Gentleman knows, is entirely independent.