Brian H. Donohoe
Main Page: Brian H. Donohoe (Labour - Central Ayrshire)Department Debates - View all Brian H. Donohoe's debates with the Department for Transport
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Brian H. Donohoe Excerpts(12 years, 2 months ago)
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Iain Stewart
That is a fair question. I cannot answer, but perhaps the Minister will.
Mr Brian H. Donohoe (Central Ayrshire) (Lab)
What is the purpose of the Select Committee’s report, or an inquiry, if it cannot be given the evidence that will show the difference, if there is a difference, between the two bids? The press, for instance, have suggested that the FirstGroup bid is back-loaded. How will the Select Committee work to the advantage of the taxpayer in such circumstances?
Iain Stewart
That is a fair question. When the Select Committee debated whether we should call Sir Richard Branson, Tim O'Toole and their colleagues, I made the point that we would not be able to probe them fully because we did not have access to the information because of the legal position. I would love to be able to go further, but we shine as much light as we can.
Mr Donohoe
On a point of order, Mr Davies. It is a genuine point of order. Is it in order for us to have a vote on this very important subject at the end of this debate?
Philip Davies (in the Chair)
No, it is not possible to have a vote on it. There is no mechanism for votes in Westminster Hall.
Mr Donohoe
Further to that point of order, Mr Davies. If that is the case, surely somebody has to devise a method by which there can be a vote? Given that this is a new procedure that is going into unknown territory, I would think that the House authorities should be looking at that position, as to whether or not a vote is allowed on a very important subject, as this subject is.
Philip Davies (in the Chair)
That is not a matter for today but something that the hon. Gentleman might want to take up with the new Chairman of the Procedure Committee, when that post is elected.