Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Leader of the House

Oral Answers to Questions

Paul Flynn Excerpts
Thursday 9th February 2012

(12 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Heath Portrait Mr Heath
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Pre-legislative scrutiny requires the publication of draft clauses, and that is what we have done. The hon. Lady might have noticed that. Of course, if, as a result of consultation, a very different proposal is put before the House, that too will be subject to pre-legislative scrutiny, because it is important that we get this right. Again, though, I really cannot take seriously the hon. Lady and her colleagues, who were incapable of doing anything about this problem, now complaining that we are doing something, which we are.

Paul Flynn Portrait Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab)
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The tentacles of the corrupt and semi-corrupt lobbying system have sunk deep into the body politic. If politics is to be reformed and confidence in the House and politics restored, major reform is essential. Unfortunately, the consultation document shows that instead of listening to what the Prime Minister said when in opposition, the Government have spent their time listening to lobbyists lobbying about lobbying.

David Heath Portrait Mr Heath
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That is absolute nonsense.