Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Andrew Mackinlay (Labour). It was answered on Monday, 2 July 2007 on behalf of the Leader of the House of Commons.

Public Engagement (Debates)

Question: May I invite the Leader of the House to discuss with the Chief Whip the notice given to Back Benchers of Statutory Instrument Committees? Often, Members are given only 48 hours’ notice or less that they will serve on a Committee, which means that scrutiny is reduced to a charade. There is no earthly reason why most Government Departments could not flag up statutory instruments with two weeks’ notice so that people could volunteer who were interested in the subject and in providing scrutiny. That would be one of the great innovations of—

Answer: This is something that my hon. Friend has raised before, and I am happy to engage in discussion, including with the Chief Whip, who, although he gave no sign of it, was listening acutely to what my hon. Friend said.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 462 c666-7
Session: 2006-07
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Committees House of Commons Parliamentary procedure Parliamentary scrutiny Modernisation Reform Backbenchers Debates Politics and government
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk