Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Leader of the House

Oral Answers to Questions

Paul Flynn Excerpts
Thursday 22nd March 2012

(12 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Heath Portrait Mr Heath
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Again, I understand the hon. Gentleman’s concern. The Government are continuing to explore ways to improve scrutiny, and there remain areas that we need to explore. One issue to bear in mind is whether hon. Members would be willing to serve on such a Committee. If that is the case and if we can make satisfactory arrangements, we will of course bring them to the House.

Paul Flynn Portrait Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab)
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If there is a new look at early-day motions, will the Deputy Leader of the House ensure that Members will not be deprived of one of the rare opportunities to criticise parliamentary answers? A recent EDM suggested that the Under-Secretary of State for Justice, the hon. Member for Reigate (Mr Blunt), gave a parliamentary answer that reached a new low “in evasiveness and vacuity”, and recommends that in future Ministers should read the question before answering parliamentary questions.

John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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Order. I am sure we are talking about these matters with reference to the scrutiny of legislation.