Monday 6th February 2012

(12 years, 3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Evans of Rainow Portrait Graham Evans
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I wholeheartedly agree with my hon. Friend. The cost to the House, including in time, means that it is time to consider reform.

Simon Hart Portrait Simon Hart (Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire) (Con)
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Does my hon. Friend also agree that pressure groups and individuals believe that early-day motions have value, and are therefore disappointed when they discover, despite their best efforts, that they come to nothing?

Lord Evans of Rainow Portrait Graham Evans
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I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend. Many organisations such as charities employ lobbyists, and early-day motions are often used to justify their existence. I shall come to that shortly.