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Business of the House

The right hon. and learned Gentleman will be familiar with Standing Order— Indeed. I have it before me on the Dispatch Box for greater accuracy. As you will recall, Mr. Speaker, formally you call the Commons back following representations by Her Majesty’s Ministers. I have been involved in all three cases over the last 10 years when Parliament was recalled; in each case the Government were not unwilling to recall Parliament and in 1998, when I was Home Secretary—[Interruption.] I am saying that the current arrangements work pretty well, because they ensure that where there is a real demand—from the Opposition, for example—Parliament is recalled. I am happy to discus the matter with the right hon. and learned Gentleman in the Tea Room or elsewhere— I was about to say that. Pending a debate in the House— Well, almost. I have looked at the matter, as have various Committees, and I think that the current arrangements do not work too badly at all.