Points of Order

Peter Bone Excerpts

Monday 7th February 2022 Commons Chamber

[Madam Deputy Speaker]

There is very little that I can add at this stage, apart from saying this. There may be those who say that there are different interpretations of different statistics, so I think that, at the moment, we have to leave it as we have stated: those on the Treasury Bench have heard the concern that perhaps figures were used which are incorrect, and that if that is the case, the ministerial code says that they should be corrected at the earliest opportunity.

[Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con)]

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. Is it not correct that there are lies, damned lies and statistics, and is it not sometimes a matter of interpretation, not a matter of fact?

[Madam Deputy Speaker]

I would say that “not necessarily” is probably the answer.

Bills Presented

Energy Company Obligation (Cavity Wall Insulation) Bill

Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57)

Paul Maynard presented a Bill to require energy companies to remove and replace incorrectly installed cavity wall insultation; and for connected purposes.

Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 18 March, and to be printed (Bill 247).

Parliamentary Elections (Optional Preferential Vote) Bill

Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57)

Paul Maynard presented a Bill to introduce the optional preferential voting system for Parliamentary elections; and for connected purposes.

Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 18 March, and to be printed (Bill 248).

Ministerial Competence (External Review) Bill

Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57)

Paul Maynard presented a Bill to make provision for an annual appraisal of the performance and competence of individual Ministers, conducted outside the Cabinet Office, to inform the Prime Minister in recommending ministerial appointments; and for connected purposes.

Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 18 March, and to be printed (Bill 249).

Charities (Income Source Statements) Bill

Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57)

Paul Maynard presented a Bill to require the Charity Commission to publish statistics of the proportion of income of each registered charity which is derived from public expenditure; and for connected purposes.

Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 18 March, and to be printed (Bill 250).

Local Welfare Assistance (Statements)

Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57)

Paul Maynard presented a Bill to require local authorities to publish statements of expenditure and the numbers of grants made to residents through the local welfare assistance scheme; and for connected purposes.

Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 18 March, and to be printed (Bill 251).