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Inter-Parliamentary Scrutiny (EU Foreign, Defence and Security Policy)

I have served as a member of the WEU Parliamentary Assembly for several years, and I was recently given the honour of serving as leader of the Federated Group, which comprises like-minded parliamentary representatives from a whole range of countries, including non-EU countries that have the opportunity to participate in the Assembly. I am very concerned that, in our debate today, there has been a conflict between the point of view put forward so ably by the president of the Parliamentary Assembly, my hon. Friend the Member for North Dorset (Mr Walter) and others who have direct experience of serving on the Assembly, and those led by the Chairman of the Select Committee, my hon. Friend the Member for Croydon South (Richard Ottaway), who have had no such experience. I hope that when Mr Deputy Speaker, my hon. Friend the Member for Ribble Valley (Mr Evans), goes to the Speakers' conference in April, he will reflect on the fact that great credence should be given to the points of view of those who have been serving in the WEU Parliamentary Assembly. Parliament will be assisted by the fact that he has served with distinction as a member of the Assembly, and as chairman of one of its technical committees dealing with aerospace and defence— Mr Ottaway claimed to move the closure (Standing Order No. 36). Question put forthwith, That the Question be now put. The House divided: Ayes 118, Noes 4.