Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by David Howarth (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Tuesday, 23 March 2010 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Members of Parliament (Recall)

Question: Can we be specific about this issue? I know from their proposals that the Government support a recall mechanism for the other place, but is the Secretary of State now saying that he also supports a recall mechanism for the Commons? If so, that would be a very great advance, and we would very much welcome it. Indeed, if he has moved on that issue, will he now move on proportional representation, too?

Answer: This may well be the hon. Gentleman's last outing, too, so I pay tribute to him for the work that he has undertaken. However, he needs to get some better briefing, because my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced at the Labour party conference on 29 September that we were committed— ... It was hardly a private meeting; it was in the middle of the leader's speech. In that speech on 29 September, the Prime Minister announced his commitment, and that of the Government and my party, to a recall mechanism for this House.

Secondary information