Private Members’ Bills

Paul Beresford Excerpts

Monday 2nd September 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Walker]

I agree with the hon. Gentleman. I know that the Leader of the House is positively chomping at the bit to find time for the report to be debated, because he is a great reformer and is entirely reform-minded. Indeed, I feel that I am presenting these reforms today with his support, which is extremely exciting and very welcome.

[Sir Paul Beresford (Mole Valley) (Con)]

Before any chomping starts, does my hon. Friend agree that although most private Members’ Bills are Government sponsored, as he mentioned, that is the choice of the private Member?

[Mr Walker]

My hon. Friend makes a fantastic point, but if private Members felt that they had a genuine chance of getting their own legislation on to the statute book or that the Government would at least give it a proper hearing, we might begin to redress the balance.

[Sir Paul Beresford]

indicated dissent.

[Mr Walker]

My hon. Friend is shaking his head; I think we shall have to disagree on this.