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Proceeding contribution from Charles Walker (Conservative) in the House of Commons on Monday, 25 October 2010. It occurred during Debate on bill and Committee of the Whole House (HC) on Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill.

Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill

The hon. Gentleman makes his usual sparky intervention. Rafts of leading academics and political commentators have recognised for a long time that there are far too many Ministers in this place. Sir John Major, the former Prime Minister, has argued that we could easily do as well with a reduction of 25 to 30%. Lord Turnbull, the former Cabinet Secretary, told the Select Committee on Public Administration earlier this year that the number of Ministers could be cut by 50%. Professor Anthony King has argued the same, as has Lord Norton of Louth. Of course, those academics and political commentators are in good company. Our own Deputy Prime Minister argued in January that the number of Ministers should be reduced.

Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
517 c108 
Session
2010-12
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Alternative vote Administration Absent voting Costs Elections General elections Local government Northern Ireland Pay Northern Ireland Assembly Members National Assembly for Wales Newspaper press Referendums Staff Ministers Peers Scotland Voting methods Wales Scottish Parliament Parliamentary private secretaries
Legislation
Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill 2010-12
House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk