Oral Answers to Questions

Ann McKechin Excerpts

Thursday 17th January 2013 Commons Chamber

The Leader of the House was asked—

[Ann McKechin (Glasgow North) (Lab)]

4. Whether he plans to give evidence to the Procedure Committee inquiry on programming.

[The Deputy Leader of the House of Commons (Tom Brake)]

We have received confirmation of the Procedure Committee’s decision to undertake an inquiry into programming together with a request to set out the Government’s views. We will submit our views shortly.

[Ann McKechin]

Given how light the Government’s legislative programme is, does the right hon. Gentleman think that now is the time to consider whether we can debate private Members’ Bills not only on Fridays but on other days of the week, rather than having the countless pointless debates that we currently have to endure?

[Tom Brake]

I am surprised that the hon. Lady considers that the Government have a light programme; that is certainly not the view on the Government Benches. The House has expressed a view on private Members’ Bills. It has thought it appropriate to leave them where they are.