Fixed-term Parliaments Bill

Lord Bach Excerpts

Tuesday 29th March 2011 Lords Chamber

That was Mr Mark Harper, the Minister of State—

[Lord Bach]

Parliamentary Secretary.

[Lord Falconer of Thoroton]

I make it clear that my error is in no way intended to undermine him. He is the Parliamentary Secretary responsible for political and constitutional reform. It is his view that the Government appear to take in relation to these issues. It is a matter for this House as to whether it is guided more by the views of the two ex-Speakers or by the evidence of Mr Mark Harper. Speaking entirely for myself and having heard the two ex-Speakers, I found the evidence of Mr Harper wholly unconvincing. It suggests to me that not enough thought has been given to this provision.