Letter to the Chairman from Rt Hon Ms
Harriet Harman MP, Leader of the House of Commons
I am pleased that the Motion to establish the
Select Committee on Reform of the House of Commons was agreed
to last night.
Thank you for agreeing to chair this Committee
which presents an important opportunity to look at how the reform
of parliamentary procedure can achieve stronger accountability
of the Government to Parliament through a larger role for backbench
Members and the wider public.
The Government does not propose to submit detailed
written evidence to the Committee. The areas which the Government
will be considering have been the subject of a great deal of debate
and discussion in recent years, both within the House and wider
academic study. We have established the Committee precisely because
we want to hear the views of backbench MPs on these issues. However,
I would be happy to appear before the Committee either formally
or informally, towards the end of your inquiry, in order to discuss
potential recommendations.
We would like the Committee to report quickly
so that the proposed reforms can be considered for implementation
early in the next Session. We look forward to receiving the Committee's
recommendations.
21 July 2009
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