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Proceeding contribution from Lord Beith (Liberal Democrat) in the House of Commons on Wednesday, 1 July 2009. It occurred during Debate on bill and Committee of the Whole House (HC) on Parliamentary Standards Bill.

Parliamentary Standards Bill

The hon. and learned Gentleman must read clause 9 in conjunction with clause 10, one of the consequences of which is that if a Member said in a debate, as the right hon. Member for Birkenhead (Mr. Field) did openly yesterday, "I do not approve of this legislation, I do not see how it can work and I will probably be subject to an offence under it. If I am, I will not pay the fine and I will go prison", those words could be adduced in court proceedings. Prosecuting counsel could say, "You say that this was an accidental mistake, but in fact your own words, as reported in Hansard, incriminate you."

Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
495 c368 
Session
2008-09
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Complaints Disciplinary proceedings Data protection Codes of practice Conduct Allowances House of Commons Legal aid scheme Members Members' interests Parliamentary privilege Standards Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority Sunset clauses
Legislation
Parliamentary Standards Bill 2008-09
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk