Submission from Mr Fabian Hamilton MP
Thank you for your letter of 29 June 2004 under
the banner of the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House
of Commons regarding the review of sitting hours. I am sorry that
I have not replied to your previous letter, but would like to
add to the debate with my views.
In general, I think that the new sitting hours
have worked well and would want to keep them as they are. The
only problem is that it is now more difficult to show constituents
around the House in the mornings before the Chamber is cleared
and sealed at 10.30 am ready for the 11.30 am start. I do not
think that the hours should be altered.
On the question of the September sitting, I
think that this is a complete waste of time. It seems that this
was only introduced to appease the media and the annual demand
for a special sitting in September. The month of September is
especially valuable for school visits, which are impossible in
July or August. I would rather sit longer in October or December
than break up September with a two week sitting which I think
offers little in terms of the Parliamentary timetable.
So, to sum up:
Keep sitting hours as they are at present. Abolish
the two week September sitting.
I hope that I have added to the debate.
July 2004
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