Oral Answers to Questions

Angela Smith Excerpts

Thursday 13th September 2012 Commons Chamber

[Tom Brake]

I do not know the detail of what was announced, but sometimes such statements do not address matters of policy, but instead express the direction in which the Government are going.

[Angela Smith (Penistone and Stocksbridge) (Lab)]

The fact that we have both a new Leader and Deputy Leader of the House presents us with an excellent opportunity to establish higher standards in how the Government report matters of concern to this House. Will the Deputy Leader therefore take this opportunity to give a guarantee that the Government will report statements to this House before briefing the media?

[Tom Brake]

It is clear from the ministerial code that that is precisely what Ministers are required to do, and, as we know, if necessary the Speaker will intervene and force a Minister’s hand if that is required.