---

Speaker's Committee on the Search of Offices on the Parliamentary Estate

I shall be giving way, but I wish to develop my argument for a few moments. I know that hon. Members want the issue of the search of Parliament to be sorted out now; they do not wish to wait until after the police have finished their investigation. Last Wednesday, Mr. Speaker, in your statement, you told the House that you have reviewed the handling of this matter. You said:"““From now on, a warrant will always be required…when a search of a Member's office, or access to a Member's parliamentary papers, is sought. Every case must be referred for my personal decision, as it is my responsibility. All this will be made clear in a protocol issued under my name to all hon. Members.””—[Official Report, 3 December 2008; Vol. 485, c. 3.]" That should provide immediate reassurance about the future to those hon. Members who have criticised the consent to the search.