Multinational Enterprises (Financial Transparency)

Edward Leigh Excerpts

Tuesday 15th March 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

We come now to the Second Reading of the Investigatory Powers Bill.

[Sir Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con)]

On a point of order, Mr Speaker.

[Mr Speaker]

Oh, very well.

[Sir Edward Leigh]

Have you, Mr Speaker, received a communication from the Government about the interception of communications of Members of Parliament? Under this Bill, if the Government decide to intercept the communications of Members of Parliament, they have to consult the Prime Minister. Is it not wise that we should consider your being consulted as well, because your primary duty is to ensure the independence of this Parliament and of Members of Parliament, and their freedom to hold the Government to account? It is surely not right that one part of the Executive should decide to intercept communications with MPs and the head of that Executive should authorise it.