Advisory Committee on Business Appointments/Ministerial Code

Debate between Helen Goodman and Ben Gummer

Monday 20th March 2017 Commons Chamber

[Ben Gummer]

That is the view that this House has traditionally taken. It is not a matter for the Government; it is for this House to make a decision in the long term about the balance that it wants to have. Traditionally, this House has determined that it is right for Members of Parliament to have the opportunity of a wider hinterland. That may change—it is not for me to say—but it is important that, whatever the particularities at this juncture, the situation is judged within that context.

[Helen Goodman (Bishop Auckland) (Lab)]

In 1523, Cardinal Wolsey become the Bishop of Durham. He never visited his diocese. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that hon. Members do not start behaving like medieval clerics instead of modern politicians?