European Union Bill

John Bercow Excerpts

Tuesday 8th March 2011 Commons Chamber

Consideration of Bill, as amended in the Committee

[Mr Speaker]

I had intended to call the hon. Member for Birmingham, Edgbaston (Ms Stuart) to move the new clause, but it can be moved by another of its supporters. I call Mr James Clappison.

New Clause 1

Provision of documentation under Part 1

‘(1) A statement laid before Parliament under section 5 of this Act shall be accompanied with all relevant documentation on the treaty or decision concerned, including all amendments sponsored by Ministers and other member states during negotiation of the treaty or decision.

(2) All decisions which as a result of any of sections 6 to 10 of this Act require approval by referendum or Act or resolution shall be accompanied with all relevant documentation on the decision concerned, including all amendments sponsored by Ministers and other member states during negotiation of the decision.’.—(Mr Clappison.)

Brought up, and read the First time.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Binley]

I am most grateful. I thought you would, which I why I started to stand, and I—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I have not given way at all. I just want to help the hon. Gentleman to get it right, and I am sure that he will use the correct parliamentary language.

[Mr Binley]

I am most grateful for your help and advice again, Mr Speaker. The House is also about the people we represent. If it is right and proper that they should have full knowledge of what their Government are doing, does the argument that my hon. Friend is making not deny them that right too?

--- Later in debate ---

[Neil Carmichael]

You make a very good point. I am sure that the Minister, if he is involved in that negotiation, has taken heed of what you have said.

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I am always delighted to be told that I have made a good point when I have done so, and even when I have not, but in this case I have not. The hon. Lady might have done.

[Neil Carmichael]

Many apologies, Mr Speaker—it is a long time since I have had quite so many interventions. The key thing here is the quality of the decision. If a Minister came along and tried to defend a decision that this House was unhappy about, this House should say so. That is the right approach.

--- Later in debate ---

[Several hon. Members]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. The winding-up speeches will begin at 9.45 pm. I am keen to accommodate two further speeches before then, if humanly possible.