House of Commons Governance

Viscount Thurso Excerpts

Wednesday 21st January 2015 Written Statements

[John Thurso]

(Representing the House of Commons Commission): The House of Commons Commission discussed the report of the Committee on House of Commons Governance at its meeting on 19 January. In line with the Committee’s recommendations, the Commission invited the existing external members of the Management Board to the meeting.

The Commission welcomed the work that the Governance Committee had undertaken and the dedication and rigour with which it had scrutinised the important matters before it.

The Commission noted that, as recommended by the Governance Committee, the paused process for recruiting a Clerk of the House had been formally terminated.

The Commission is now awaiting the House’s debate on the Committee’s report on 22 January. If the House endorses the report, the Commission will act swiftly to implement its recommendations, starting at an additional meeting on Monday 26 January.

It is of vital importance to the Commission that the House Service is able effectively to meet the changing needs of a modern Parliament. It is also right that the Commission is able to shine light on itself to ensure that it too can meet these needs and more importantly, those of the UK public whom the House exists to serve.

Subject to the House endorsing the Governance Committee’s report, the Commission expects to be discussing implementation of the Committee’s recommendations at future meetings, and will issue periodic reports on progress.

[HCWS212]