Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Harriett Baldwin and Tom Brake

Thursday 25th April 2013 Commons Chamber

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

The McKay commission reported on 25 March on how the House of Commons might deal with legislation that affects only part of the UK. This is a very important issue, which is why the Government asked this expert commission to look at it. The report makes a helpful contribution, and we will give it very serious consideration before responding substantively.

[Harriett Baldwin]

I look forward to that response. I would like to know whether the Leader of the House intends to act on those proposals in the next Session of Parliament.

[Tom Brake]

I thank my hon. Friend for that question. I know that she has pursued this matter vigorously in recent months. Clearly, the McKay commission has produced a serious report. It continues a menu of options and the Government will want to consider the recommendations very carefully before coming to any firm conclusions.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Harriett Baldwin and Tom Brake

Thursday 17th January 2013 Commons Chamber

[Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con)]

2. When he expects to receive a report from the Commission on the consequences of devolution for the House of Commons.

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

A report from the McKay commission is expected by the end of the current Session of Parliament.

[Harriett Baldwin]

I am delighted to hear that we will get the report in this Session of Parliament. Does the Deputy Leader of the House share my aspiration that by the end of this Parliament we will ensure that English-only legislation is voted on with a majority of English MPs?

[Tom Brake]

I am aware that my hon. Friend is pursuing this matter vigorously—indeed, she made her own submission—but it is right that we wait until we have carefully considered the arguments and options in the report before taking a view. I am sure the House will want to do the same.