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Proceeding contribution from Andrew Mackinlay (Labour) in the House of Commons on Tuesday, 25 March 2008. It occurred during Ministerial statement on Constitutional Renewal.


Constitutional Renewal

I do not understand what the Prime Minister said last week on the Intelligence and Security Committee, which was reiterated this afternoon by the Justice Secretary in response to my hon. Friend the Member for Sunderland, South (Mr. Mullin). It is a minute adjustment—a ritualistic change—as the nominated members have to go before the Committee of Selection, but they still have to be approved by the Prime Minister. I do not understand the problem: why does the Justice Secretary not legislate to create parliamentary oversight of security and intelligence, so that instead of a spook providing the secretariat, the Clerk of the House of Commons does so? All the members should be appointed on the same basis as members are appointed to the Select Committee on Transport, the Foreign Affairs Committee or the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee. What is the problem? Why does he not trust Parliament?


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
474 c34, (corrigendum) 304;474 c34 
Session
2007-08
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Notes
Daily part printing error - Originally published with Mr. Andrew Mackay as the Member.
Subjects
Armed conflict Devolution Civil service Attorney General Church of England British constitution Bill of Rights House of Lords Judiciary Government departments Flags Intelligence and Security Committee Law Commission Dissolution Ministerial powers Prosecutions Public appointments Parliament Square Protest Parliamentary scrutiny Parliament Passports Prerogative of mercy Recall of parliament Scotland Treaties Reform Royal prerogative
Legislation
Draft Constitutional Renewal Bill
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk