Trade Union Reform (Civil Service)

John Bercow Excerpts

Tuesday 10th March 2015 Commons Chamber

[Hon. Members]

What was the point of that?

[Mr Speaker]

Well, it was apparently judged worthy of an oral statement.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Maude]

I saw a report this morning suggesting that there was a plan, not yet divulged to the public, for the PCS to be swallowed up by Unite. Civil service political impartiality is an essential part of the way in which our system of government works. For the largest civil service union to be controlled by the same puppet-master and paymaster that controls Labour would be a matter—[Interruption]—of very considerable concern—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. When I say the Minister is finished, let it be clear. It is no good him sitting there shrugging. When I say he is finished, he is finished. It is important not to waste the time of the House. It is beneath the level of a Minister.