Oral Answers to Questions

Tom Brake Excerpts

Thursday 29th November 2012 Commons Chamber

[The Deputy Leader of the House of Commons (Tom Brake)]

The Minister for Europe is engaged in discussions with the relevant Committees in both Houses on arrangements for parliamentary scrutiny of European issues. My right hon. Friend the Leader of the House has had discussions with the Minister on the subject in recent weeks.

[Miss McIntosh]

I am grateful for that reply, and also for the work of the previous Leader of the House, who is present.

Would there be any merit in allowing Select Committees such as the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee to scrutinise some of the more technical statutory instruments implementing environmental or agricultural regulations from Brussels?

[Tom Brake]

I agree that Select Committees could play an important role in scrutinising many more of the matters that come out of Europe. I am pleased that the Minister for Europe has been consulting widely, and I am sure that he will present some very sensible proposals for the enhancement of our European scrutiny.

[Mr Speaker]

Patience rewarded: Mr Lindsay Roy.

[Lindsay Roy (Glenrothes) (Lab)]

9. Whether the introduction of a statutory register of lobbyists will require any changes to the Standing Orders of the House.

[The Deputy Leader of the House of Commons (Tom Brake)]

That will depend on proposals that will be published and scrutinised by the House in due course.

[Lindsay Roy]

Will the Deputy Leader of the House explain why progress in establishing a statutory register seems to have been so slow?

[Tom Brake]

As the hon. Gentleman will know, this is a complex issue on which the Government have been consulting. We are committed to building a system that provides transparency without hindering legitimate lobbying by those with an interest in Government policy. We will publish revised proposals later in the Session.