E-Tabling of Written Questions

John Bercow Excerpts

Monday 26th March 2012 Commons Chamber

[Hon. Members]

Object.

[Mr Speaker]

We come now to the Adjournment—

[Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con)]

On a point of order, Mr Speaker.

[Mr Speaker]

The hon. Gentleman was a bit slow on the uptake. I told him that he should do his point of order before the Adjournment, but anyway we will give him a go.

[Andrew Bridgen]

What powers do you have, Mr Speaker, to censure Her Majesty’s Opposition, who spent five days opposing the cut in the top rate of tax from 50p and then abstained from voting in the Lobby?

[Mr Speaker]

None.

[The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David Gauke)]

Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker. I note that the shadow Chancellor said:

“There will be a vote next week, and we will vote against the 50p change.”—[Official Report, 22 March 2012; Vol. 542, c. 960.]

What guidance can you provide, Mr Speaker, to right hon. and hon. Members to look at the Budget resolutions, where they will see clearly that resolution 72 referred to an additional rate of 45p, which was obviously a change from 50p?

[Mr Speaker]

I think the hon. Gentleman is seeking to offer that guidance, but he is a constituency neighbour of mine, so I know that what he would not seek to do, for it would be unworthy—and he would not be unworthy—is continue the debate that we have spent the past few days having. So we will leave it there for tonight. He looks contented, as he is smiling at me beatifically and that is a boon to the House.