Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Tommy Sheppard Excerpts
Wednesday 21st October 2015

(9 years, 2 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Matt Hancock Portrait Matthew Hancock
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Yes, we have offered extra resources to the Chilcot inquiry in case they are needed. We now have a timetable for a timetable for the release of the inquiry, and Sir John will write to the Prime Minister by 3 November to set out that timetable.

Tommy Sheppard Portrait Tommy Sheppard (Edinburgh East) (SNP)
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We all know that the inquiry is independent, and we are not asking that the Cabinet Office interfere in the processes of the inquiry, but the budget and the timetable are within the Secretary of State’s remit. Does he not accept that this never-ending budget and this completely indefinite timetable are beginning to undermine public confidence in the outcome of the inquiry? When he speaks to Sir John, will he ensure that there is a firm timetable for the report and a firm figure for the final budget of the inquiry?

Matt Hancock Portrait Matthew Hancock
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We now have that commitment to a timetable by early November, but crucially we want to ensure that the inquiry is effective, is completed and can be published as soon as possible. We do not want resources to stand in the way of that happening.