Oral Answers to Questions

Stephen Metcalfe Excerpts

Thursday 22nd March 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Heath]

I doubt that my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House ever forgets that fact.

[Stephen Metcalfe (South Basildon and East Thurrock) (Con)]

3. What progress he has made on establishing a public reading stage for Government Bills.

[The Parliamentary Secretary, Office of the Leader of the House of Commons (Mr David Heath)]

The Government conducted an experiment with a public reading stage on the Protection of Freedoms Bill. Following an evaluation of the experiment, we intend to conduct trials in the second Session to determine the best ways for members of the public to comment on specific details of legislation. My right hon. Friend the Leader of the House and I will update the House on our detailed plans early in the next Session.

[Stephen Metcalfe]

I thank my hon. Friend for that answer. Will he tell the House from whom he will seek advice on how best to push this measure forward?

[Mr Heath]

It is very important that, before we undertake further pilots of public reading stages, we have an opportunity to reflect on any improvements that could be made to the technology and the processes involved. That will involve talking to many people. Hon. Members may have seen the recent announcement that Jimmy Wales, the founder of Wikipedia, has agreed to advise the Government on improving open government, and we will want that work to influence how we proceed with public reading stages.