I support the recommendations of the report which represent an incremental improvement in the opportunities for Members and in particular participating committee Members to speak in a timely fashion on committee reports.

However I do have two reservations. The first is entrenching the ‘5 Minute Rule’ where committees are afforded two speakers for 5 minutes to table and speak on their report in the House. Secondly, whilst the additional sitting of the Main Committee on a Monday is welcome it may not necessarily be free of interruption from divisions.

Furthermore I had the opportunity to submit draft proposals for consideration of the Procedure Committee. I am grateful for the consideration the committee gave to the proposals and the additional refinement contemplated by the committee, namely, that reports could be initiated and dealt to finality in the Main Committee which would have been a significant evolution in the function of the Main Committee.

I share with all other Procedure Committee Members the desire that the recommendations will work, however, should for whatever reasons the changes not be as effective as anticipated then I trust the committee might again consider the proposal to sit the Main Committee on sitting Monday mornings.

Lastly, the proposal for non-committee Members to be able to question for up to 15 minutes the Chair and Deputy Chair is consistent with the importance I attach to those positions as well as the interactive atmosphere developing in the Main Committee. Such a provision is again not inconsistent with the existing procedure with interventions in the Main Committee which has worked well when used. I do hope in the future that the Procedure Committee might be prepared to revisit this proposal.

Hon Roger Price MP