Submission from Mr Bill Rammell MP
I am writing in response to your letter of 29
June 2004 regarding the Modernisation Committee's review of sitting
hours.
My own view is that the current sitting hours
are about right. I do not think that we can conduct good business
by debating and voting into the early hours of the morning as
in the past, and I don't think the public would regard a return
to these sitting hours as credible. Furthermore, for anyone considering
becoming an MP in the future, a return to these sitting hours
would surely not be an attractive feature of public service.
I do, however, have a concern regarding the
continuation of Private Members' Bills on Friday mornings. If
these could be dealt with at another time—perhaps Tuesday
evenings—then this would improve the process.
I hope this is helpful. If you want to discuss
it further, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Supporters of the new arrangements do feel every
bit as strongly on this issue as those who want to return to the
past.
July 2004
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