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Proceeding contribution from Michael Mates (Conservative) in the House of Commons on Thursday, 18 March 2010. It occurred during Debate on Intelligence and Security Committee.


Intelligence and Security Committee

I am sorry, but I hope the hon. Gentleman was not trying to put words in my mouth. I would never have used the phrase "stark staring bonkers" in his context. All I would say is that he has been absolutely consistent in his arguments—despite all the facts that we have. That is my criticism of him. If we were able to construct a Select Committee, would we not advocate it, given the grief that we have had from the Cabinet Office over the past year? We have considered the proposal, and there are many factors about which the hon. Gentleman, who is becoming impatient to reply, does not know or, if he does, does not accept. If it were possible to construct a Select Committee, that would be fine. He might now refer to me again with that phrase, but I still do not think that the proposal would be possible or make the Committee any better than it is.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
507 c1051 
Session
2009-10
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Accountability Administration Finance Intelligence services Intelligence and Security Committee National security Parliamentary scrutiny Location Terrorism Select committees Torture Rendition Diego Garcia Espionage
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk