Oral Answers to Questions

Charlie Elphicke Excerpts

Thursday 12th September 2013 Commons Chamber

The Leader of the House was asked—

[Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con)]

3. What recent discussions he has had on private Members’ Bills.

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

My right hon. Friend the Leader of the House has had a range of recent discussions on private Members’ Bills and has given evidence to the Procedure Committee as part of its inquiry.

[Charlie Elphicke]

Does the Minister agree that the conduct of some Members of this place with regard to private Members’ Bills undermines Parliament and weakens the power and the voice of Back Benchers, and that the timetable ought to be reformed to give the House greater strength and a greater say?

[Tom Brake]

My hon. Friend will be aware that the Procedure Committee has been considering the issue of private Members’ Bills because he gave evidence to that inquiry. The Committee will come forward with a wide range of recommendations that might address the points that he has made. I am sure that the House will have the opportunity to debate and resolve those issues in the near future.