---

Business of the House

I am always grateful for such spirited contributions from the hon. Gentleman. Perhaps I misunderstood his recent remarks when he suggested that the Procedure Committee was considering looking afresh at the sub judice matter. I had taken that to mean that it was considering new ideas. I cannot see any purpose in holding a debate while the Procedure Committee is still engaged on that consideration. However, I am perfectly willing to see the hon. Gentleman and discuss those matters with him. I have heard on previous occasions the hon. Gentleman’s observations on the Modernisation Committee and the inevitable overlap between its excellent work and that of the Procedure Committee. Hon. Members have accepted that that is the inevitable consequence of modernisation. It is important that the House continue to modernise its procedures and arrangements to ensure that the people whom we represent fully understand and appreciate the excellent work that is done here.