Rape Victims: Disclosure of Evidence Debate

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Department: Home Office

Rape Victims: Disclosure of Evidence

Cheryl Gillan Excerpts
Monday 29th April 2019

(4 years, 12 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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It is important that our proceedings are intelligible for all those observing them, so if there are people present who are unaware of the significance of the Mother of the House, it ought to be explained. The Mother of the House is the female Member with the longest uninterrupted service. In the case of the right hon. and learned Member for Camberwell and Peckham (Ms Harman), if memory serves me correctly that uninterrupted service dates back to 28 October 1982, so the Mother of the House has served in the House for 36 years, six months and one day. I just thought it was important to make that clear. Whether or not people think it was important to make it clear, I have made it clear, and that is the situation.

Cheryl Gillan Portrait Dame Cheryl Gillan (Chesham and Amersham) (Con)
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I am the mother on the Government Benches.

John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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I am very happy to accept that that is indeed the case, but as the right hon. Lady does not wish to contribute at the moment, we will hold her in reserve. We will hear from her presently.