Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Leader of the House

Oral Answers to Questions

Ian Paisley Excerpts
Thursday 3rd November 2011

(12 years, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Heath Portrait Mr Heath
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The honest answer is that I do not know how many hon. Members have taken part, but from speaking to colleagues around the House, it seems that a significant number have done so. Those who have not done so have missed an opportunity, and let us hope that they will do so at different stages, not only during Parliament week next year but throughout the year, as the hon. Lady suggests.

Ian Paisley Portrait Ian Paisley (North Antrim) (DUP)
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The promotion of Parliament is of course a noble cause. However, does the Leader of the House agree that the continuation of allowing Members who do not take their seats in this place to claim expenses from this place, to claim offices in this place, and to claim salaries from this place is a scar on Parliament? When is he going to bring a comprehensive statement to this House—

John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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Order. I have allowed the hon. Gentleman to place his thoughts on the record on that very important matter, but unfortunately it does not relate to Parliament week, and therefore we will have to leave it there for today.