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To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, how frequently the Commission receives reports from the Speaker’s Advisory Committee on Works of Art.
To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, how frequently the Commission receives reports from the Speaker’s Advisory Committee on Works of Art.
The Speaker’s Advisory Committee on Works of Art publishes an annual report, which is considered by the House’s Finance Committee. The Commission does not receive routine updates. The annual report for 2018-19 was published on the Committee’s website yesterday.
To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, what progress the Commission has made on implementing the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme.
To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, what progress the Commission has made on implementing the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme.
Good progress is being made on implementing the independent complaints and grievance scheme, and on the recommendations by Dame Laura Cox and Gemma White, QC, to improve the working culture of the House. Complainants with non-recent cases, and former members of the parliamentary community who were not previously covered by the scheme, were able to access it from Monday 21 October this year. A staff group is examining options for implementing the Cox recommendation on independent determination of complaints against Members.
To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, what recent progress the Commission has made on digitising parliamentary processes.
To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, what recent progress the Commission has made on digitising parliamentary processes.
As I hope that Members are aware, the House of Commons and the Parliamentary Digital Service have made significant progress in digitising various parliamentary processes, such as through the Members’ hub for tabling questions digitally. Members might not be aware that “Erskine May” was made publicly available online for the very first time in July this year and is available through the UK Parliament website.
The Speaker’s Advisory Committee on Works of Art publishes an annual report, which is considered by the House’s Finance Committee. The Commission does not receive routine updates. The annual report for 2018-19 was published on the Committee’s website yesterday.
The Speaker’s Advisory Committee on Works of Art publishes an annual report, which is considered by the House’s Finance Committee. The Commission does not receive routine updates. The annual report for 2018-19 was published on the Committee’s website yesterday.
To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, how frequently the Commission receives reports from the Speaker’s Advisory Committee on Works of Art.
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question, although I am disappointed he did not manage to work electronic voting into it. He will be pleased to know that the Committee is conscious that Winnie Ewing is currently a notable absence from the parliamentary art collection. It is investigating the possibility of a temporary loan of a portrait for display in Parliament, and it will continue to search for a portrait painting or drawing to acquire for the permanent collection.
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question, although I am disappointed he did not manage to work electronic voting into it. He will be pleased to know that the Committee is conscious that Winnie Ewing is currently a notable absence from the parliamentary art collection. It is investigating the possibility of a temporary loan of a portrait for display in Parliament, and it will continue to search for a portrait painting or drawing to acquire for the permanent collection.
The right hon. Gentleman will be amazed that I am not asking him about electronic voting for a change. This question was originally on the Order Paper in July, when Winnie Ewing was celebrating her 90th birthday. In a couple of weeks—on 2 November—we will mark 52 years since her historic by-election win and of the continuous representation of the Scottish National party in the House of Commons. Has the Commission been advised of any discussion by the Committee regarding commemorating Winnie’s immense contribution in this place with a portrait somewhere on the estate?
I believe that was probably a bid for a portrait of you to be provided in the House, Mr Speaker, so we look forward to that.
I believe that was probably a bid for a portrait of you to be provided in the House, Mr Speaker, so we look forward to that.
I like the range of art that we have, Mr Speaker, but it should be more accessible. Why do we have to pay a surcharge in our shops to pay for your art?
Good progress is being made on implementing the independent complaints and grievance scheme, and on the recommendations by Dame Laura Cox and Gemma White, QC, to improve the working culture of the House. Complainants with non-recent cases, and former members of the parliamentary community who were not previously covered by the scheme, were able to access it from Monday 21 October this year. A staff group is examining options for implementing the Cox recommendation on independent determination of complaints against Members.
Good progress is being made on implementing the independent complaints and grievance scheme, and on the recommendations by Dame Laura Cox and Gemma White, QC, to improve the working culture of the House. Complainants with non-recent cases, and former members of the parliamentary community who were not previously covered by the scheme, were able to access it from Monday 21 October this year. A staff group is examining options for implementing the Cox recommendation on independent determination of complaints against Members.
To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, what progress the Commission has made on implementing the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme.
I agree that there should be a completely independent process, and I regret that 12 months on that has not been resolved. A group is making good progress on that, and it expects to report back to the Commission later this year. I hope that by the end of this year that issue will be resolved.
I agree that there should be a completely independent process, and I regret that 12 months on that has not been resolved. A group is making good progress on that, and it expects to report back to the Commission later this year. I hope that by the end of this year that issue will be resolved.
I do not believe that the Commission is making good progress. It has been a year since the Dame Laura Cox report came out, and historical cases were finally reopened only last week. Recommendation 3 makes it clear that there must be an entirely independent process for investigating complaints of bullying and harassment in which Members of Parliament do not take part. It has been a year; it has gone on too long. Does the right hon. Gentleman understand how important
it is for staff to have confidence in the system and know that Members of Parliament are not involved in judging their peers?
I thank the hon. Gentleman for that question. If he is referring to particular cases, he can pass the details on to me. I am aware that support has been made available to Members of Parliament against whom legal cases have been pursued. I will follow that up if he is able to pass me the details.
I thank the hon. Gentleman for that question. If he is referring to particular cases, he can pass the details on to me. I am aware that support has been made available to Members of Parliament against whom legal cases have been pursued. I will follow that up if he is able to pass me the details.
May I thank you, Mr Speaker, for the support you have given me as a relatively new Member, and for the visit that you made to Manchester after the Manchester Arena attack, which killed two of my constituents? That meant a great deal to the families, and to me as a local parliamentarian. and I thank you for that.
A great deal of work has been done by the Commission, but what work is being undertaken to give Members of Parliament the adequate legal support they need to carry out their duties? Many of us have been the voice of people who have been mistreated, and we have called out corruption, mismanagement and fraud. When we seek help when we are the target of harassment, however, we are left wondering where that support is. Will the right hon. Gentleman look into that very real issue, so that MPs are not bullied, harassed and intimidated into eventually moving away from the responsibilities they have in representing their constituents?
As I hope that Members are aware, the House of Commons and the Parliamentary Digital Service have made significant progress in digitising various parliamentary processes, such as through the Members’ hub for tabling questions digitally. Members might not be aware that “Erskine May” was made publicly available online for the very first time in July this year and is available through the UK Parliament website.
As I hope that Members are aware, the House of Commons and the Parliamentary Digital Service have made significant progress in digitising various parliamentary processes, such as through the Members’ hub for tabling questions digitally. Members might not be aware that “Erskine May” was made publicly available online for the very first time in July this year and is available through the UK Parliament website.
To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, what recent progress the Commission has made on digitising parliamentary processes.
I can reassure the hon. Lady and other Members that if they have issues about the way the Members’ hub works, for instance, they can simply walk the short distance from here to the Table Office. I understand that the Table Office, on a monthly basis, reviews suggestions and possible improvements that Members have drawn to their attention. I know personally, from having raised an issue, that that has then been reflected in how the system works. I therefore encourage all Members—perhaps in the new Parliament we will need to remind new Members of this fact—to remember that the Table Office is there, and that it will respond to and review matters on a monthly basis.
I can reassure the hon. Lady and other Members that if they have issues about the way the Members’ hub works, for instance, they can simply walk the short distance from here to the Table Office. I understand that the Table Office, on a monthly basis, reviews suggestions and possible improvements that Members have drawn to their attention. I know personally, from having raised an issue, that that has then been reflected in how the system works. I therefore encourage all Members—perhaps in the new Parliament we will need to remind new Members of this fact—to remember that the Table Office is there, and that it will respond to and review matters on a monthly basis.
You were my first Speaker, Mr Speaker. I wish you and your family every happiness. I find it very hard to imagine this Chamber without you, although I do hope the electors in Newcastle give me the opportunity to find out. You have been a great reforming, inclusive, witty and stimulating Speaker, both in this Chamber and across the country. Your visits to Newcastle mean that you will be very fondly remembered by the people of my great city.
Part of the reforms you have instigated, Mr Speaker, have been on the digital and technology front. I congratulate the Parliamentary Digital Service and the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Tom Brake) on the progress that has been made in making us more
effective technically—the Members’ hub, the digitisation of tabling questions and support for Android—but there is much, much more to be done if we are to be truly as effective as possible. I know that Members of Parliament are very hard use cases to tie down, but participation in the development and design of digital processes is essential. What will he do to ensure that new and returning Members are part of design processes so that technology empowers us, as it should for all our constituents?
I can reassure the hon. Gentleman that that has happened and that there are further changes in the pipeline, for instance in relation to Committees, legislation and Members’ web pages. The changes he seeks to introduce to make this place a paperless environment are in the pipeline and, I hope, will be delivered over the next few years.
I can reassure the hon. Gentleman that that has happened and that there are further changes in the pipeline, for instance in relation to Committees, legislation and Members’ web pages. The changes he seeks to introduce to make this place a paperless environment are in the pipeline and, I hope, will be delivered over the next few years.
May I put on record my thanks to you, Mr Speaker, for the encouragement you have given me? I remember my first day here in 2010 and seeing my name on the entrance as I came in. I remember your firm handshake and the friendship you showed, which put me very much at ease. As a Back Bencher, I thank you for giving me and others the opportunity to express ourselves on many occasions, which we have done. I also thank you for your encouragement, guidance and friendship. To your wife Sally and your family, I say thank you so much. It will never be forgotten: not by me and not by many in the House. Thank you.
What consideration has been given to encouraging more paperless routes to parliamentary procedure in an attempt to be an example to businesses outside this place on how to cut down and make the most of physical resources?
To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, how many male toilets there are in the Palace of Westminster; and how many male toilets have disposal bins suitable for the disposal of stoma and continence and personal care products.
To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, how many male toilets there are in the Palace of Westminster; and how many male toilets have disposal bins suitable for the disposal of stoma and continence and personal care products.
There are 57 male toilets in the Palace of Westminster. Currently only one male toilet - in the House of Lords ground floor cloakroom - has a disposal bin; however the bins are generally only provided if requested. We have not to date received any requests for bins of the sort specified, but would be happy to respond if made aware of any demand.
To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, how many MPs have contacted the House authorities about anonymous abuse or threats on Twitter in the latest period for which figures are available.
To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, how many MPs have contacted the House authorities about anonymous abuse or threats on Twitter in the latest period for which figures are available.
The Parliamentary Security Department regularly provides advice to Members and their staff on social media security, but we do not collate data on these interactions. For security and privacy reasons, the discussions held between Members and the House authorities relating to threats and abuse are not publicly available. Threats and abuse received by Members should always be reported to the police.
The Member is invited to contact the Director of Security for Parliament directly if he wishes to discuss this matter further.
To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, how many staff Parliament has employed to deal with social media companies in respect of abuse or threats directed at Members of Parliament in each of the last five years.
To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, how many staff Parliament has employed to deal with social media companies in respect of abuse or threats directed at Members of Parliament in each of the last five years.
Prior to June 2017 no staff were directly employed to deal with social media companies in respect of abuse or threats directed at Members of Parliament.
From June 2017 to May 2019, one member of staff was directly employed in this line of work.
From June 2019 to date, two members of staff have been directly employed in this line of work.
To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, what assessment the Commission has made of the effectiveness of Twitter's response to complaints by House authorities about abuse or threats directed at Members of Parliament.
To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, what assessment the Commission has made of the effectiveness of Twitter's response to complaints by House authorities about abuse or threats directed at Members of Parliament.
Parliament has established a reasonable relationship with the main social media companies, including Twitter. We continually monitor the effectiveness of our work as we regularly raise abusive content directly with the company on behalf of Members.
To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, how many hon. Members have discussed with the House authorities abuse and threats that they have received on Twitter.
To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, how many hon. Members have discussed with the House authorities abuse and threats that they have received on Twitter.
Threats and abuse received by Members should always be reported to the police.
The Parliamentary Security Department uses best endeavours to review tweets sent publicly to Members, reporting matters of concern to the police and Twitter as appropriate. This opt-in service is only done with Members’ express permission.
The Parliamentary Security Department regularly provides advice to Members and their staff on social media security, but we do not collate data on these interactions. For security and privacy reasons, the discussions held between Members and the House authorities relating to threats and abuse are not publicly available.
The Member is invited to contact the Director of Security for Parliament directly if he wishes to discuss this matter further.
To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, how many complaints under the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme which were not previously covered by the scheme have been lodged since the resolution of the House on 17 July 2019.
To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, how many complaints under the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme which were not previously covered by the scheme have been lodged since the resolution of the House on 17 July 2019.
The resolution of the House of 17 July 2019 endorsed the report of the House of Commons Commission entitled Extending the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme and approved steps to make the changes necessary to extend the scheme. Paragraph 6 of that report stated that subject to approval by the House, implementation work would take place over the summer, including the recruitment of additional expert independent investigators, with the intention of opening up the Scheme to non-recent cases from autumn this year.
Complainants with non-recent cases and former members of the parliamentary community, not previously covered by the scheme, will have access to the scheme from Monday 21 October 2019.
To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, whether a (a) temporary or (b) permanent House of Commons security pass has ever been refused on the grounds that the applicant had been found to be in contempt of Parliament.
To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, whether a (a) temporary or (b) permanent House of Commons security pass has ever been refused on the grounds that the applicant had been found to be in contempt of Parliament.
In the past 10 years, there have been no cases where a temporary or permanent House of Commons security pass has been refused on the grounds that the applicant had been found to be in contempt of Parliament.
Parliament decides on matters of contempt, including sanctions, on a case-by-case basis, on the advice of the Committee of Privileges.
To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, whether the Commission plans to provide British Sign Language interpreters for all Parliamentary debates.
To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, whether the Commission plans to provide British Sign Language interpreters for all Parliamentary debates.
British Sign Language (BSL) has been provided for a number of debates in Westminster Hall over the past two years, with signing successfully integrated into the video output on parliamentlive.tv. A studio area has now been established in 7 Millbank where filming of BSL interpreters can take place.
I am pleased to inform the hon. Member that funding has been approved for BSL interpretation of Prime Minister’s Questions for the period November 2019 to March 2020 and funding for BSL interpretation beyond this period is being considered. This service will be reviewed by February 2020 and further consideration given to wider use of BSL for other Parliamentary proceedings.
A proposal for live subtitling of all proceedings in the House of Commons Chamber to be shown on parliamentlive.tv is also currently being considered.