Points of Order Debate

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Department: Attorney General
Monday 3rd December 2018

(5 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his point of order and for his characteristic courtesy in giving me advance notice of his intention to raise it—[Interruption.] I shall ignore the sedentary chuntering, which is undertaken for no obvious benefit or purpose. I have only just seen the letter to which the hon. Gentleman refers. I shall give it immediate attention when I leave the Chair. Having sat through these exchanges, I intend to come to a rapid decision, which I will convey to the House before it rises tonight, or, if that proves impossible, at the earliest opportunity tomorrow. I hope that that is helpful to colleagues.

Geoffrey Cox Portrait The Attorney General (Mr Geoffrey Cox)
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On a point of order, Mr Speaker. As I indicated during the course of the debate, I had concluded, and I think mentioned, that I will be writing to you this evening, setting out the Government’s proposals in connection with this matter. I wonder if I could invite you to consider that letter, as I am sure you will, in due course this evening.

John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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Well, I await—[Interruption.] Order. I note what the Attorney General has said, and, of course, I shall be interested to see any letter that he chooses to send to me. It is important that this matter is dealt with in a timely fashion. That is a highly relevant consideration for me to take into account, but I have heard, with respect, what the right hon. and learned Gentleman has said, and I wait to see what emerges.

--- Later in debate ---
John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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I feel sure that that will be so.

Geoffrey Cox Portrait The Attorney General
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indicated assent.

John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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The Attorney General is nodding his assent to that proposition. Just to be clear, the hon. Gentleman is asking whether he can have sight of the Attorney General’s letter, and I think that the Attorney General is signalling that the answer to that is yes.

Geoffrey Cox Portrait The Attorney General
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indicated assent.

Chris Bryant Portrait Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab)
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On a point of order, Mr Speaker. This is a completely different issue.