House of Commons (Governance)

Viscount Thurso Excerpts

Tuesday 17th March 2015 Written Statements

[John Thurso]

(Representing the House of Commons Commission): At its meeting on 16 March, the Commission again considered implementation of the recommendations of the Committee on House of Commons governance.

The Commission noted that the House of Commons Commission Bill passed all its Commons stages on 24 February and received an unopposed Second Reading in the Lords on 12 March. It also noted that motions to implement changes in Standing Orders relating to the Finance and Services and Administration Committees were approved by the House on 10 March.

The recruitment for the post of the Director General of the House of Commons was launched on 18 February. The closing date for applications was 16 March. The Commission expects the long-listing stage to be completed before Dissolution, with a final appointment being made after the election by a panel appointed by the new Commission.

The House Committee in the House of Lords has agreed to the proposal that a first joint meeting of the Commission and the House Committee should take place in October. It is expected that the agenda will include discussion of opportunities for greater joint working and strategic security matters.

The Commission also considered interim arrangements pending appointment of its external Members in the new Parliament.

[HCWS419]