Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Richard Burden (Labour). It was answered on Tuesday, 28 March 2006 on behalf of the Department for Constitutional Affairs.

Power Commission

Question: I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Does she agree that three issues need to be included in any effective response to the way in which the Power inquiry dealt with the problem of the public's disconnection from the political process? Does she agree that the first thing to address is the need for transparency in party funding, something that should apply equally to Opposition parties and to Government parties? Secondly, does she agree that election, not appointment, should be the cornerstone of any House of Parliament that plays a role in framing the laws of this country? Thirdly, as the Government are—

Answer: Perhaps my hon. Friend will let me know what the third point is on another occasion. My hon. Friend is right about transparency in party funding. We have set up the Phillips review to look at that. We are also in positive talks across parties about that transparency. On reform of the House of Lords, he knows that there will be a free vote in this House on the subject.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 444 c670
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Democracy Elections Political parties Political activities Public participation Voting behaviour Young people Politics Power Commission
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk