Modernisation of the House

Motion made, and Question proposed,

That Mr. Paul Burstow be discharged from the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons and Simon Hughes be added.—[Mr. Watts.]

17:13:00

Mr. Greg Knight (East Yorkshire) (Con)
I understand that the motion is debatable, as we have reached it before 6 pm. Is the hon. Member for North Southwark and Bermondsey (Simon Hughes) willing to address the House, to tell us why he wishes to be a member of the Modernisation Committee?

17:14:00

Simon Hughes (North Southwark and Bermondsey) (LD)
I had not intended to speak, but I shall say a few words. The short answer to the right hon. Gentleman’s question is because I believe, as many other hon. Members said in the previous debate, that the House needs far more modernisation, and that we need a much stronger House of Commons. The House of Commons should be able to determine its own agenda, and we should be able to hold the Executive to account. All Back Benchers should be able to play a more effective role. That is my commitment. On the basis of that very short manifesto, I hope that I can be elected to the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons, even if I am not standing for other posts.

Question put and agreed to.

BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

Ordered,

That, at the sitting on Monday 29th October, proceedings on the Motion for the adjournment of the House in the name of the Prime Minister relating to Burma may continue, though opposed, for three hours or until Ten o’clock, whichever is the later, and shall then lapse if not previously disposed of.—[Mr. Watts.]