Thursday 7 February 2008

Leader of the House of Commons    
                          

                              WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

                                     Review of Topical Debates

The House agreed on 25th October to the introduction of topical debates on an experimental basis for the 2007-08 session, following the recommendations of the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons in 'Revitalising the Chamber: the role of the backbench Member' . 

I am today announcing that I will be conducting a review into the operation of topical debates.  The results of the review will be published before the House rises for the Summer Recess. Any Member wishing to submit their views is asked to do so by 23 May 2008. 

While the review is ongoing, I encourage Members to continue to propose subjects for debate, either in writing, via the e-mail link on the home page of the website of the Leader of the House of Commons (www.commonsleader.gov.uk), during weekly Business Questions or in person.

The criteria used to choose debates have previously been announced to the House.  The criteria are that the subject should be topical; the House has not had an opportunity to debate it; it is a matter of public policy; it is a matter of public concern; and it is of international, national or regional importance.

The Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons has also stated its intention to conduct its own review into the operation of topical debates after their first year of operation.  The Government intends to submit the outcomes of its own review to the Modernisation Committee for consideration.

I am also proposing that a new system is introduced to improve the openness of the system.  I intend on a quarterly basis to issue a Written Ministerial Statement that lists all subjects that have been proposed for debate, other than those discussed at weekly Business Questions, which are already a matter of public record.  The attached table gives such information from the beginning of the process until the end of December.

Subjects proposed (other than in Business Questions) for Topical Debates (Nov 07 - Dec 07)

To note:  The list includes all requests and whether they have been submitted by letter, e-mail or another method.  The list does not include requests made during Business Questions, or otherwise on the floor of the House, and which are already a matter of public record.  Weeks where there were no requests are not included.

Week commencing 12 Nov 2007:

UK Relations with Iran (letter),
Climate Change (letter),
Barnett Formula (e-mail),
Rape and Domestic violence (e-mail)
Medal for injured members of the armed forces (e-mail),

Week commencing 19 Nov 2007:

Public food procurement (letter),
Western Balkans (other),
Farepak (e-mail),
Annapolis peace talks (letter),
Animal Disease (letter),
Medal for injured members of the armed forces (letter),
Data Protection (other),

Week commencing 26 Nov 2007:

Heathrow (other),
Medal for injured members of the armed forces (letters),
Availability of cheap alcohol (e-mail),
Identity fraud (e-mail),

Week commencing 10 Dec 2007:

Farepak (e-mail),

Week commencing 17 Dec 2007:

Families at risk (e-mail),