Prime Minister's question asked in the House of Commons, by David Winnick (Labour). It was answered on Wednesday, 1 April 2009 on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Engagements

Question: Arising from what was said earlier, is my right hon. Friend aware that some of us fought against a Conservative private Member's Bill that would have exempted the House of Commons from the Freedom of Information Act? That being said, does my right hon. Friend agree that it is absolutely essential to have a system of allowances that MPs claim—most of them, of course, are for our staff—so that the public can have confidence that they are legitimate, above board and simply make sense? The sooner we have such a system, the better it will be for the reputation of the House of Commons.

Answer: I think I speak for all Members when I say that we want a better system that has proper audit and deals with the outstanding issues that have caused so much controversy. However, I have to say to all Members of the House that for that to command public confidence, it is not enough that one or two of us get together in a room; we have to ensure that the Committee on Standards in Public Life, which we set up to deal with such issues, is also satisfied and can tell the public that the system is working better.

Secondary information