Business of the House Debate

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Department: Leader of the House

Business of the House

Jim Sheridan Excerpts
Thursday 17th March 2011

(13 years, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Young of Cookham Portrait Sir George Young
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My hon. Friend is correct that that was the procedure until some time around 1920. I detect no particular appetite from those on either Front Bench to revert to that procedure. On reflection, I am not convinced that it would serve any useful purpose.

Jim Sheridan Portrait Jim Sheridan (Paisley and Renfrewshire North) (Lab)
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Notwithstanding the public sensitivities surrounding Members’ salaries, may I ask the Leader of the House in his dealings with IPSA to remind it gently that public opinion should not be the only criterion when deciding Members’ salaries, but that external comparators should also be used?

Lord Young of Cookham Portrait Sir George Young
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I hope that when it comes to IPSA taking over responsibility for Members’ salaries, the hon. Gentleman will make representations. It is important that IPSA remembers that its task is to ensure that MPs have the resources that they need to do their job and to discharge their responsibilities. I am sure that we all await with interest the outcome of the review, which I think is due next week.