Question

To ask the Rt. hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington representing the House of Commons Commission, how many hours have been spent by the staff of the House on the certification process necessitated by the English Votes for English Laws Standing Orders of the House of Commons since those orders were implemented; and if he will make a statement.

The Clerk of Legislation advises Mr Speaker on EVEL as part of his normal duties. The Papers Clerk in the Journal Office assists in record-keeping and in the publication of Speaker’s certificates as part of her normal duties. It is not possible to disaggregate the time they spend on EVEL certification from other aspects of their work.

In the Office of Speaker’s Counsel, as part of their ordinary duties the Counsel for Legislation advises Mr Speaker on certification of statutory instruments and one of the Deputy Counsel advises Mr Speaker on the certification of Bills. It is not possible to disaggregate the time they spend on EVEL certification from other aspects of their work, although the Deputy Counsel’s contracted hours were increased slightly on the introduction of the EVEL certification process.