Business of the House Debate

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Department: Leader of the House

Business of the House

Graham Allen Excerpts
Thursday 27th May 2010

(14 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Young of Cookham Portrait Sir George Young
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I have some sympathy with my hon. Friend’s point as I used to be a London Member and take part in those regular debates. Without giving any firm commitment, I shall see whether we can move in the direction that my hon. Friend suggests.

Graham Allen Portrait Mr Graham Allen (Nottingham North) (Lab)
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May I thank the Leader of the House and his deputy for redeeming, in very short order, the promise to the House that Back Benchers should be able to decide which debates we have in Back-Bench time? We have heard today some very good examples from Members on both sides of the House. Does he accept that if Back Benchers can prove that they can run their own time effectively, and Parliament can run its own time effectively, it adds to the urgency of bringing forward a fully fledged business committee so that Parliament, not Government, decides the agenda of this House?