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

As a non-Privy Counsellor, it is a privilege to be able to participate, however briefly, in the debate. I support the amendment tabled by my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for North-East Fife (Sir Menzies Campbell) and other Members from both sides of the Chamber. This matter is of great importance to many in the House, and must be addressed without pomposity and self-regard, because it is about our constituents, not our privileges. It is right— Three hours having elapsed since the commencement of proceedings on the Business of the House motion, the Speaker put the Questions necessary to dispose of the business to be concluded at that time (Order, this day). Amendment proposed: (e), leave out from 'action' to end and add"'and to investigate all the circumstances, including Ministerial, official and police actions, which led to the search, and to review the applicable rules and procedures of the House and to make recommendations;""That the Committee have the power to send for persons, papers and records; to report from time to time; to sit notwithstanding any adjournment of the House;""That the Committee should be bound in its proceedings by the existing resolution of the House on matters of sub judice; and""That the Committee consist of seven members appointed by the Speaker.'—(Sir Menzies Campbell.)" Question put, That the amendment be made:— The House divided: Ayes 281, Noes 285.