Rt Hon Eric Forth MP (M 20)
Thank you for notification of the Committee
inquiry into "the Legislative Process".
I believe that so-called modernisation has so
far been for the convenience of Members and the Government, not
the Parliamentary process. It cannot be to the benefit of Parliament
(as opposed to Government) that business is controlled, predictable
and restricted-eliminating entire debates and separating debate
and division.
Previously, the Opposition determined the pace
of business; now the Government does so. The single most effective
way to restore the balance between Government and Parliament would
be to eliminate automatic programming of Standing Committees.
Deferred divisions are an affront, reducing even further the relevance
of debate—when it is obvious that Members not even in the
building (or the country!) for a debate can nevertheless vote
on a ballot paper several days later.
It is not the Government which should decide
which aspects of a bill require greater scrutiny, but the House,
Committee or, indeed, Opposition. The Government has already scrutinised
its own bill! My suggestions are to scrap programming, deferred
divisions, and carryover—all of which simply enhance control
by the Executive of the legislature.
What is "modern" about that?
November 2005
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