Oral Answers to Questions

Baroness Clark of Kilwinning Excerpts

Tuesday 16th October 2012 Commons Chamber

[The Deputy Prime Minister]

I certainly agree that the current rules are anachronistic and explicitly discriminatory. That is the point of the reforms. It should be borne in mind that the new rules, particularly those on male primogeniture, came into effect from the moment that the declaration was made in Perth. Although some painstaking work is needed to extend the legislation to all the Commonwealth realms, it has already taken effect.

[Katy Clark (North Ayrshire and Arran) (Lab)]

2. What plans he has to bring forward legislative proposals on the recall of hon. Members.

[The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Miss Chloe Smith)]

The Government remain committed to establishing a recall mechanism that is transparent, robust and fair. We are grateful to the Select Committee on Political and Constitutional Reform for its consideration of our proposals and we are now taking proper time to reflect on its recommendations.

[Katy Clark]

How does the Minister intend to define “serious wrongdoing” in the legislation?

[Miss Smith]

As I have noted, we intend to introduce a recall mechanism that is transparent, robust and fair. We have set out two different sets of triggers that apply and we are also working with the powers of the House of Commons on these matters, including the definition of serious wrongdoing.