Letter from Chris Bryant MP, Deputy Leader
of the House of Commons (P 26, 2008-09)
I understand that my officials and the officials
of the House of Commons have been in touch with each other about
when the trial suggested in my letter of 17 December should
start.
Parliamentary Counsel had made arrangements
to attach statements to Government amendments put down from the
beginning of this week, though they have experienced some inconvenience
as a result of new software being introduced in the Cabinet Office.
But it seems to me more sensible if slightly more time is given
to departmental Bill teams and Parliamentary Council and also
to backbench Members to prepare themselves for the trial. I think
it is important that the trial should start for everyone at the
same time.
So what I suggest is that an announcement is
made that the trial should apply to all amendments tabled during
or after the constituency week recess (ie after the House adjourns
on 12 February). That is certainly practicable so far as
Government amendments are concerned, and it will also give the
Public Bill Office some time to alert opposition and backbench
Members to what is happening and to encourage them to participate.
I am copying this letter to the Chairman of
the Procedure Committee, the Clerk of Legislation and First Parliamentary
Council.
February 2009
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