THURSDAY 15 NOVEMBER
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Paul Flynn Mr Gordon Prentice David Heyes Paul Rowen Kelvin Hopkins Mr Charles Walker Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Jenny Willott Julie Morgan
1. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Ethics and Standards: the Regulation of Conduct in Public Life: Government Response to the Committee’s Fourth Report of Session 2006-07
Draft Special Report [Ethics and Standards: the Regulation of Conduct in Public Life: Government Response to the Committee’s Fourth Report of Session 2006-07], proposed by the Chairman, brought up, read the first and second time, and agreed to.
The Government response to the Fourth Report from the Committee in Session 2006-07 was appended to the Report
Resolved, That the Report be the First Special Report of the Committee to the House.
Ordered, That the Chairman make the Report to the House.
3. Skills for Government: Government Response to the Committee’s Ninth Report of Session 2006-07
Draft Special Report [Skills for Government: Government Response to the Committee’s Ninth Report of Session 2006-07], proposed by the Chairman, brought up, read the first and second time, and agreed to.
The Government response to the Ninth Report from the Committee in Session 2006-07 was appended to the Report
Resolved, That the Report be the Second Special Report of the Committee to the House.
Ordered, That the Chairman make the Report to the House.
4. Machinery of Government Changes: Government Response to the Committee’s Seventh Report of Session 2006-07
Draft Special Report [Machinery of Government Changes: Government Response to the Committee’s Seventh Report of Session 2006-07], proposed by the Chairman, brought up, read the first and second time, and agreed to.
The Government response to the Seventh Report from the Committee in Session 2006-07 was appended to the Report
Resolved, That the Report be the Third Special Report of the Committee to the House.
Ordered, That the Chairman make the Report to the House.
5. Whitehall Confidential? The Publication of Political Memoirs: Government Response to the Committee’s Fifth Report of Session 2005-06
Draft Special Report [Whitehall Confidential? The Publication of Political Memoirs: Government Response to the Committee’s Fifth Report of Session 2005-06], proposed by the Chairman, brought up, read the first and second time, and agreed to.
The Government response to the Fifth Report from the Committee in Session 2005-06 was appended to the Report
Resolved, That the Report be the Fourth Special Report of the Committee to the House.
Ordered, That the Chairman make the Report to the House.
6. Work of the Cabinet Office
Ordered, That the National Audit Office’s written evidence on Work of the Cabinet Office be reported to the House.
Ordered, That the National Audit Office be authorised to publish their written evidence on Work of the Cabinet Office, in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order No. 135.
Sir Gus O’Donnell KCB, Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Home Civil Service, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Tuesday 20 November at 1.45 p.m.
TUESDAY 20 NOVEMBER
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Mr David Burrowes Mr Gordon Prentice Paul Flynn Paul Rowen David Heyes Mr Charles Walker Kelvin Hopkins Jenny Willott
1. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Lobbying
Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to Lobbying be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
LOB 01 – Joint: the Association of Professional Political Consultants, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations Government Affairs Group and the Public Relations Consultants Association LOB 02 – Public Relations Consultants Association LOB 03 – Chartered Institute of Public Relations LOB 04 – Association of Professional Political Consultants LOB 05 – Foresight Communications LOB 06 – European Commission LOB 07 – Bell Pottinger LOB 08 – Law Society LOB 09 – Global Government Relations, DLA Piper LOB 10 – National Union of Journalists LOB 11 – Consolidated LOB 12 – Grayling Political Strategy LOB 13 – JMS LOB 14 – Bircham Dyson Bell LOB 15 – Forum of Private Business LOB 16 – SpinWatch LOB 17 – Hansard Society LOB 18 – Luther Pendragon LOB 19 – Dr William Dinan and Prof David Miller LOB 20 – CSPL LOB 21 – Peter Luff MP
3. Third Sector Commissioning
Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Phil Hope MP, Minister for the Third Sector, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 29 November at 9.45 a.m.
THURSDAY 29 NOVEMBER
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
David Heyes Julie Morgan Kelvin Hopkins Mr Gordon Prentice Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Mr Charles Walker
1. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Specialist Adviser
Ordered: That Professor Justin Fisher be appointed a Specialist Adviser to assist the
Committee in its inquiry into Lobbying.
3. Lobbying
John Grogan MP, Peter Luff MP and Stephen Pound MP, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 6 December at 9.45 a.m.
THURSDAY 6 DECEMBER
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Mr David Burrowes Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger David Heyes Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins Paul Rowen
1. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Parliamentary Scrutiny of Public Appointments
Janet Gaymer, Commissioner for Public Appointments and Rt Hon John McFall MP, Chairman of the Treasury Committee, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Tuesday 11 December at 3.00 p.m.
TUESDAY 11 DECEMBER
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
David Heyes Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins Paul Rowen Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Mr Charles Walker Julie Morgan Jenny Willott
1. Machinery of Government Changes: A follow-up Report
Draft Report [Machinery of Government Changes: A follow-up Report], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.
The Draft Report was agreed to: the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the
Report are published in the First Report from the Committee, HC 160.
2. Propriety and Peerages
Draft Report [Propriety and Peerages], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.
The Draft Report was agreed to: the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Second Report from the Committee, HC 153.
[Adjourned till Thursday 10 January at 9.45 a.m.
THURSDAY 10 JANUARY
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Mr David Burrowes Julie Morgan Paul Flynn Mr Gordon Prentice David Heyes Paul Rowen Kelvin Hopkins Mr Charles Walker Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Jenny Willott
1. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Parliament and public appointments: Pre-appointment hearings by select committees
Draft Report [Parliament and public appointments: Pre-appointment hearings by select committees], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.
The Draft Report was agreed to: the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Third Report from the Committee, HC 152.
3. Debt of Honour
Written evidence relating to Debt of Honour was ordered to be reported to the House for printing.
4. Propriety and Peerages
Ordered, That the letter dated 18 December 2007 from Sir Gus O’Donnell be reported to the House.
5. Propriety and Peerages – press coverage
The Committee considered this matter.
6. Committee on Standards in Public Life
Sir Christopher Kelly KCB, Chairman, Committee on Standards in Public Life, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 17 January at 9.45 a.m.
THURSDAY 17 JANUARY
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Paul Flynn Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins Mr Charles Walker Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Jenny Willott Julie Morgan
1. Work of the Committee in 2007
Draft Report [Work of the Committee in 2007], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.
The Draft Report was agreed to: the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Fourth Report from the Committee, HC 236.
2. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Lobbying
Resolved, That the Committee invite Rt Hon Ian McCartney MP, John Greenway MP and Nick Harvey MP to give evidence in the lobbying inquiry.
4. Third Sector Commissioning
Selwyn Image, Emmaus, Alex Whinnom, Greater Manchester Centre for Voluntary Organisation and Sylvia Sham, Wai Yin Chinese Women Society; and Stuart Etherington, National Council for Voluntary Organisations, Peter Kyle, Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations and Debra Allcock-Taylor, Directory of Social Change, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 24 January at 9.45 a.m.
THURSDAY 24 JANUARY
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Mr David Burrowes Mr Gordon Prentice David Heyes Paul Rowen Kelvin Hopkins Mr Charles Walker Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Jenny Willott Julie Morgan
1. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Appointment of Temporary Chairman
Resolved, That in the absence of the Chairman, Kelvin Hopkins should take the Chair of the Committee for the meeting on 31 January.
3. Lobbying
Peter Facey, Unlock Democracy, Dr William Dinan and Professor David Miller, SpinWatch, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 7 February at 9.45 a.m.
THURSDAY 7 FEBRUARY
Members present:
Paul Flynn Julie Morgan David Heyes Mr Gordon Prentice Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Paul Rowen Kelvin Hopkins Mr Charles Walker
1. Appointment of Temporary Chairman
In the absence of the Chairman, and in accordance with the resolution of 24 January, Kelvin Hopkins was called to the Chair.
2. Lobbying: Written Evidence
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Cabinet Office proposal to produce a single Annual Report and Accounts
Resolved, That the Committee are content with the proposal for the Cabinet Office to produce a single Annual Report and Accounts.
4. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
5. Lobbying
Lionel Zetter, Chartered Institute of Public Relations, Gill Morris, Association of Professional Political Consultants and Rod Cartwright, Public Relations Consultants Association, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 21 February at 9.45 a.m.
THURSDAY 21 FEBRUARY
Members present:
Paul Flynn Julie Morgan David Heyes Mr Gordon Prentice Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Paul Rowen Kelvin Hopkins Mr Charles Walker
1. Appointment of Temporary Chairman
In the absence of the Chairman, Mr Gordon Prentice was called to the Chair.
2. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Lobbying
The Rt Hon Lord Mayhew of Twysden QC DL, Chairman, the Rt Hon Lord Maclennan of Rogart, Member and Tony Nichols, Secretary, Advisory Committee on Business Appointments, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 28 February at 9.45 a.m.
THURSDAY 28 FEBRUARY
Members present:
Paul Flynn Julie Morgan David Heyes Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins Paul Rowen
1. Appointment of Temporary Chairman
In the absence of the Chairman, Mr Gordon Prentice was called to the Chair.
2. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Lobbying
Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to Lobbying be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
LOB 22 – Sir Gus O’Donnell LOB 23 – Rt Hon Ian McCartney MP LOB 24 – Hanover
4. Prime Minister’s Independent Adviser on Ministerial Interests
Sir Philip Mawer, Prime Minister’s Independent Advisor on Ministerial Interests, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 6 March at 9.45 a.m.
THURSDAY 6 MARCH
Members present:
Paul Flynn Mr Gordon Prentice David Heyes Mr Charles Walker Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Jenny Willott Julie Morgan
1. Appointment of Temporary Chairman
In the absence of the Chairman, Mr Gordon Prentice was called to the Chair.
2. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Lobbying
Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to Lobbying be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
LOB 25 – Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Peter Bingle, Bell Pottinger Public Affairs and Mike Granatt, Luther Pendragon; and Richard Schofield, Law Society and Eben Black, DLA Piper Global Government Relations, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 12 March at 4.00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY 12 MARCH
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Paul Flynn Mr Gordon Prentice David Heyes Paul Rowen Julie Morgan Mr Charles Walker
1. When Citizens Complain
Draft Report [When Citizens Complain], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.
The Draft Report was agreed to: the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Fifth Report from the Committee, HC 409.
2. Consideration of the 30-year rule review
Resolved, That the Chairman write to the 30-year rule review to convey the Committee’s view on the matter.
3. Correspondence on political memoirs
The Committee considered this matter.
4. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
5. Lobbying
Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to Lobbying be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
LOB 26 – Breakthrough Breast Cancer.
6. Appointment of Temporary Chairman
Ordered, That, in the absence of the Chairman, Mr Gordon Prentice should take the Chair of the Committee at any future meeting, unless the Committee otherwise orders.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 19 March at 2.00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY 19 MARCH
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Mr David Burrowes Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Paul Flynn Julie Morgan David Heyes Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins Mr Charles Walker
1. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Lobbying
Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to Lobbying be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
LOB 27 – Letter from Advisory Committee on Business Appointments
3. Better Government
Sir Christopher Foster, Sir Nicholas Monck KCB and Peter Owen CB, Better Government Initiative, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 26 March at 2.00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY 26 MARCH
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Paul Flynn Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger David Heyes Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins
1. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Work of the Committee in 2007: Government Response to the Committee’s Fourth Report of Session 2007-08
Draft Special Report [Work of the Committee: Government Response to the Committee’s Fourth Report of Session 2007-08], proposed by the Chairman, brought up, read the first and second time, and agreed to.
The Government response to the Fourth Report from the Committee in Session 2007-08 was
appended to the Report
Resolved, That the Report be the Fifth Special Report of the Committee to the House.
Ordered, That the Chairman make the Report to the House.
3. Political Campaigning by Charities
Greg Clark MP, Ian Leggett, People and Planet and Brian Lamb OBE, Royal National Institute for Deaf People, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 3 April at 9.45 a.m.
THURSDAY 3 APRIL
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Paul Flynn Julie Morgan Kelvin Hopkins Mr Gordon Prentice Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Mr Charles Walker
1. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Cabinet Office Autumn Performance Report 2007
Ordered, That the letter dated 25 March 2008 from Sir Gus O’Donnell regarding the Cabinet Office Autumn Performance Report 2007 be reported to the House for publication on the internet.
3. Parliamentary Commissions of Inquiry
Rt Hon Lord Hurd of Westwell CH CBE, Rt Hon Lord Owen CH, Rt Hon Sir Menzies Campbell CBE QC MP and Adam Price MP, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 24 April at 9.45 a.m.
THURSDAY 24 APRIL
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Kelvin Hopkins Mr Charles Walker Julie Morgan Jenny Willott Mr Gordon Prentice
1. User Involvement in Public Services
Draft Report [User Involvement in Public Services], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.
The Draft Report was agreed to: the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Sixth Report from the Committee, HC 410.
2. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Draft Constitutional Renewal Bill
Janet Paraskeva, First Civil Service Commissioner; and Professor Peter Hennessy, Sir Robin Mountfield and Professor Robert Blackburn, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Tuesday 29 April at 3.00 p.m.
THURSDAY 29 APRIL
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Paul Flynn Mr Gordon Prentice David Heyes Mr Charles Walker Kelvin Hopkins
1. Investigating the conduct of ministers
Draft Report [Investigating the conduct of ministers], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.
The Draft Report was agreed to: the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Seventh Report from the Committee, HC 381.
2. Parliament and public appointments: Pre-appointment hearings by select committees: Government Response to the Committee’s Third Report of session 2007-08
Draft Special Report [Parliament and public appointments: Pre-appointment hearings by select committees: Government Response to the Committee’s Third Report of Session 2007- 08], proposed by the Chairman, brought up, read the first and second time, and agreed to.
The Government’s response to the Third Report from the Committee in Session 2007-08 was appended to the Report
Resolved, That the Report be the Sixth Special Report of the Committee to the House.
Ordered, That the Chairman make the Report to the House.
3. Machinery of Government Changes: A follow-up Report: Government Response to the Committee’s First Report of session 2007-08
Resolved: That consideration of the Draft Special Report be postponed until the following meeting.
4. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
5. Lobbying
Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to Lobbying be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
LOB 07a – Bell Pottinger (supplemental) LOB 28 – Letter from Lord Mayhew, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments, to Gordon Prentice MP
6. Draft Constitutional Renewal Bill
Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Sir Gus O’Donnell KCB, Cabinet Secretary; and Michael Wills MP, Minister of State, Ministry of Justice, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 8 May at 9.45 a.m.
THURSDAY 8 MAY
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Paul Flynn Mr Gordon Prentice David Heyes Paul Rowen Kelvin Hopkins Mr Charles Walker Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Jenny Willott
1. Machinery of Government Changes: Further Report
Draft Report [Machinery of Government Changes: Further Report], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.
The Draft Report was agreed to: the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Eighth Report from the Committee, HC 514.
2. Draft Constitutional Renewal Bill
The Committee agreed to communicate its evidence on the draft Constitutional Renewal Bill to
the Joint Committee on the draft Constitutional Renewal Bill, pursuant to Standing Order No 137A.
3. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
4. Lobbying
Rt Hon Lord Warner, Rt Hon Richard Caborn MP and Stephen Haddrill, Association of British Insurers, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 15 May at 9.45 a.m.
THURSDAY 15 MAY
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
David Heyes Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins Paul Rowen Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Mr Charles Walker Julie Morgan
1. Parliamentary Commissions of Inquiry
Draft Report [Parliamentary Commissions of Inquiry], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.
[The Draft Report was agreed to: the Minutes of Proceedings relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Ninth Report from the Committee, Session 2007-08, HC 473, p 12].
2. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
Resolved, That the Committee inquire into Good Government.
3. Lobbying
Chris Brinsmead, Astra Zeneca UK, Tom Kelly, BAA and Lucy Neville Rolfe, Tesco; and Tim Hancock, Amnesty International, John Sauven, Greenpeace and Owen Espley, Friends of the Earth, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 21 May at 5.00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY 21 MAY
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Paul Flynn Julie Morgan Kelvin Hopkins Mr Gordon Prentice Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Paul Rowen
1. Constitutional Renewal: Draft Bill and White Paper
Draft Report [Constitutional Renewal: Draft Bill and White Paper], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.
The Draft Report was agreed to: the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Tenth Report from the Committee, HC 499.
2. Committee Visit
Resolved, That the Committee visit the Netherlands in connection to its inquiry into Good Government, and that the Chairman seek the approval of the Liaison Committee for expenditure in connection with the visit.
3. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
[Adjourned till Thursday 12 June at 9.45 a.m.
Tuesday 3 June - Wednesday 4 June
Paul Flynn, David Heyes, Kelvin Hopkins, Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger and Mr Gordon Prentice visited Brussels in connection with the Committee's inquiry into Lobbying, in accordance with the Committee's decision of 19 July 2007.
THURSDAY 12 JUNE
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Paul Flynn Julie Morgan Kelvin Hopkins Paul Rowen Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Mr Charles Walker
1. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Lobbying
Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to Lobbying be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
LOB 16a – SpinWatch (supplementary) LOB 29 – PPS Ltd LOB 30 – Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry LOB 31 – Joint memorandum by Global Government Relations, DLA Piper and the Whitehouse Consultancy
3. Draft Constitutional Renewal Bill
Ordered, That a letter from Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP to the Committee on the draft Constitutional Renewal Bill be reported to the House for publication on the internet.
3. Charities and Public Benefit
Jon Benjamin, Board of Deputies of British Jews, Don Horrocks, Evangelical Alliance, David Pollock, British Humanist Association, Stephen Slack, Archbishops’ Council and the General Synod of the Church of England and Andrea Williams, Lawyers’ Christian Fellowship, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 19 June at 9.45 a.m.
THURSDAY 19 JUNE
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
David Heyes Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins Mr Charles Walker Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger
1. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Lobbying
Tom Watson MP, Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office, Iain Wright MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government and Tom Harris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 26 June at 9.45 a.m.
THURSDAY 26 JUNE
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Paul Flynn Julie Morgan Kelvin Hopkins Mr Gordon Prentice Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Mr Charles Walker
1. Public Services and the Third Sector: Rhetoric and Reality
Draft Report [Public Services and the Third Sector: Rhetoric and Reality], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.
The Draft Report was agreed to: the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Eleventh Report from the Committee, HC 112.
2. Lobbying
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
Resolved: That the Committee propose its Third Report of Session 2006-07, Politics and Administration: Ministers and Civil Servants, HC 122 as a subject for debate in Westminster Hall [Adjourned till Wednesday 2 July at 3.15 p.m.
WEDNESDAY 2 JULY
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Paul Flynn Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger David Heyes Julie Morgan Kelvin Hopkins Mr Gordon Prentice
1. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Charities and Pubic Benefit
Sir Simon Jenkins, author and columnist, Dame Judith Mayhew Jonas, Independent Schools Council and Dr Anthony Seldon, Wellington College, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Tuesday 8 July at 3.45 p.m.
TUESDAY 8 JULY
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Paul Flynn Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger David Heyes Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins Mr Charles Walker
1. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Charities and Pubic Benefit
Ruth Jarratt, Royal Opera House, Stephen Lloyd, Bates, Wells & Braithwaite, and David Mobbs, Nuffield Health, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 10 July at 9.45 a.m.
THURSDAY 10 JULY
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Paul Flynn Julie Morgan Kelvin Hopkins Mr Gordon Prentice Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Mr Charles Walker
1. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Official Statistics
Simon Briscoe, Financial Times, Michael Fallon MP, Chairman, Treasury Sub-Committee, and Jill Leyland, Royal Statistical Society and Statistics User Forum, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Tuesday 15 July at 1.45 p.m.
TUESDAY 15 JULY
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Paul Flynn Mr Gordon Prentice David Heyes Paul Rowen
Kelvin Hopkins Mr Charles Walker
1. From Citizen’s Charter to Public Service Guarantees: Entitlements to Public Services
Draft Report [From Citizen’s Charter to Public Service Guarantees: Entitlements to Public Services], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.
The Draft Report was agreed to: the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Twelfth Report from the Committee, HC 411.
2. Good Government
Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to Good Government be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
GG 01 – Professional Contractors Group GG 02 – Dr Paul Benneworth GG 03 – Taxpayers’ Alliance GG 04 – Better Government Initiative GG 05 – Intellect GG 06 – Local Government Association GG 07 – Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
4. Lobbying
Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to Lobbying be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
LOB 32 - Letter from Tom Harris MP
5. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
6. Data Handling Procedures in Government
Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP, Minister for the Cabinet Office, Sir Gus O'Donnell KCB, Cabinet Secretary, and John Fiennes, Senior Civil Servant, formally Cabinet Office, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 17 July at 9.45 a.m.
THURSDAY 17 JULY
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Paul Flynn Julie Morgan David Heyes Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins Paul Rowen
Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Mr Charles Walker
1. When Citizens Complain: Government Response to the Committee’s Fifth Report of Session 2007-08
Draft Special Report [When Citizens Complain: Government Response to the Committee’s Fifth Report of Session 2007-08], proposed by the Chairman, brought up, read the first and second time, and agreed to.
The Government’s response to the Fifth Report from the Committee was appended to the Report
Resolved, That the Report be the Eighth Special Report of the Committee to the House.
Ordered, That the Chairman make the Report to the House.
2. User Involvement in Public Services: Government Response to the Committee’s Sixth Report of Session 2007-08
Draft Special Report [User Involvement in Public Services: Government Response to the Committee’s Sixth Report of Session 2007-08], proposed by the Chairman, brought up, read the first and second time, and agreed to.
The Government’s response to the Sixth Report from the Committee was appended to the Report
Resolved, That the Report be the Ninth Special Report of the Committee to the House.
Ordered, That the Chairman make the Report to the House.
3. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
4. Good Government
Sir John Bourn KCB, former Comptroller and Auditor General, Sir Richard Mottram GCB, former Permanent Secretary and Kate Jenkins, former Senior Civil Servant, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Tuesday 22 July at 9.45 a.m.
TUESDAY 22 JULY
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Paul Flynn Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins Paul Rowen Julie Morgan Mr Charles Walker
1. Mandarins Unpeeled: Memoirs and Commentary by Former Ministers and Civil Servants
Draft Report [Mandarins Unpeeled: Memoirs and Commentary by Former Ministers and Civil Servants], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.
The Draft Report was agreed to: the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Fourteenth Report from the Committee, HC 664.
2. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Selection of a new Chair of the House of Lords Appointments Commission
Lord Jay of Ewelme GCMG, gave oral evidence.
4. Selection of a new Chair of the House of Lords Appointments Commission
Draft Report [Selection of a new Chair of the House of Lords Appointments Commission], proposed by the Chairman, brought up and read.
The Draft Report was agreed to: the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published in the Thirteenth Report from the Committee, HC 985.
[Adjourned till Thursday 9 October at 9.45 a.m.
THURSDAY 9 OCTOBER
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Paul Flynn Mr Gordon Prentice David Heyes Paul Rowen Kelvin Hopkins Mr Charles Walker Julie Morgan
1. Investigating the conduct of ministers: Government Response to the Committee’s Seventh Report of Session 2007-08
Draft Special Report [Investigating the conduct of ministers: Government Response to the Committee’s Seventh Report of Session 2007-08], proposed by the Chairman, brought up, read the first and second time, and agreed to.
The Government’s response to the Seventh Report from the Committee was appended to the Report.
Resolved, That the Report be the Ninth Special Report of the Committee to the House.
Ordered, That the Chairman make the Report to the House.
2. Politics and Administration: Ministers and Civil Servants: Government Response to the Committee’s Third Report of Session 2006-07
Draft Special Report [Politics and Administration: Ministers and Civil Servants: Government Response to the Committee’s Third Report of Session 2006-07], proposed by the Chairman, brought up, read the first and second time, and agreed to.
The Government’s response to the Third Report from the Committee in Session 2006-07 was appended to the Report.
Resolved, That the Report be the Tenth Special Report of the Committee to the House.
Ordered, That the Chairman make the Report to the House.
3. Parliamentary Commissions of Inquiry: Government Response to the Committee’s Ninth Report of Session 2007-08
Draft Special Report [Parliamentary Commissions of Inquiry: Government Response to the Committee’s Ninth Report of Session 2007-08], proposed by the Chairman, brought up, read the first and second time, and agreed to.
The Government’s response to the Ninth Report from the Committee was appended to the Report.
Resolved, That the Report be the Eleventh Special Report of the Committee to the House.
Ordered, That the Chairman make the Report to the House.
4. Equitable Life
Resolved, That Committee inquire into Equitable Life.
5. Future witnesses
Resolved, That the Committee take oral evidence from Ann Abraham, Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, on Equitable Life and the Work of the Ombudsman.
Resolved, That the Committee take oral evidence from Sir Michael Scholar KCB, Chairman, UK Statistics Authority, on Official Statistics.
Resolved, That the Committee take oral evidence from Sir Gus O’Donnell KCB, Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Home Civil Service, on the Work of the Cabinet Office 2007-08.
6. Lobbying
Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to Lobbying be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
LOB 33 – Tom Watson MP LOB 34 – Cabinet Office
7. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
8. Charity Commission Annual Report, and Public Benefit Consultation
Dame Suzi Leather, Chair, Andrew Hind, Chief Executive, Rosie Chapman, Executive Director, Policy and Effectiveness and Kenneth Dibble, Executive Director, Legal and Compliance, Charity Commission, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 16 October at 9.45 a.m.
THURSDAY 16 OCTOBER
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Paul Flynn Julie Morgan David Heyes Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins Mr Charles Walker
1. Good Government
Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to Good Government be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
GG 08 – Adam Macleod GG 09 – Peter Tomlinson
2. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Good Government
Zenna Atkins, OFSTED, Geoff Mulgan, former Number 10 Adviser, Sir Steve Robson CB, former Treasury Second Permanent Secretary and Matthew Taylor, former Number 10 Adviser, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 23 October at 9.45 a.m.
THURSDAY 23 OCTOBER
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Paul Flynn Mr Gordon Prentice
Kelvin Hopkins Paul Rowen Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Mr Charles Walker Julie Morgan
1. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
Resolved, That the Committee’s visit to the Netherlands in connection to its Good Government inquiry, agreed to on 21 May, be cancelled.
2. Good Government
Rt Hon David Blunkett MP, Rt Hon Kenneth Clarke MP, Rt Hon Peter Lilley MP and Rt Hon Nick Raynsford MP, former Ministers of the Crown, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 30 October at 9.45 a.m.
THURSDAY 30 OCTOBER
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Paul Flynn Mr Gordon Prentice David Heyes Paul Rowen Kelvin Hopkins Mr Charles Walker Julie Morgan
Declaration of Interests – Equitable Life
Kelvin Hopkins declared a financial interest in this matter in relation to his parliamentary pension.
Paul Flynn declared a financial interest in this matter in relation to his spouse’s pension.
1. Lobbying
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Equitable Life/The Work of the Ombudsman
Ann Abraham, Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, Bill Richardson, Deputy Chief Executive and Iain Ogilvie, Investigation Manager, Office of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Tuesday 11 November at 1.45 p.m.
TUESDAY 11 NOVEMBER
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Paul Flynn Mr Gordon Prentice David Heyes Paul Rowen Kelvin Hopkins Mr Charles Walker Julie Morgan
1. From Citizen’s Charter to Public Service Guarantees: Entitlements to Public Services: Government Response to the Committee’s Twelfth Report of Session 2007-08
Draft Special Report [From Citizen’s Charter to Public Service Guarantees: Entitlements to Public Services: Government Response to the Committee’s Twelfth Report of Session 2007-08], proposed by the Chairman, brought up, read the first and second time, and agreed to.
The Government’s response to the Twelfth Report from the Committee and a letter of 11 November from the Chairman to the Minister for the Cabinet Office were appended to the Report.
Resolved, That the Report be the Twelfth Special Report of the Committee to the House.
Ordered, That the Chairman make the Report to the House.
2. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Lobbying
Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to Lobbying be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
LOB 35 - Association of Professional Political Consultants (supplemental)
4. Equitable Life
Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to Equitable Life be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
EQL 02 – Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman EQL 03 – Equitable Life Assurance Society EQL 04 – Equitable Members’ Action Group EQL 05 – Equitable Life Trapped Annuitants EQL 06 – Paul Braithwaite
5. Equitable Life
Ann Berry, Paul Braithwaite, Liz Kwantes, and Colin Slater, Equitable Members’ Action Group and Peter Scawen, Equitable Life Trapped Annuitants; and Vanni Treves, Chair and Charles Thomson, Chief Executive, Equitable Life Assurance Society, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 13 November at 9.45 a.m.
THURSDAY 13 NOVEMBER
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Paul Flynn Julie Morgan Kelvin Hopkins Mr Gordon Prentice
1. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Equitable Life Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to Equitable Life be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
EQL 07 – Liz Kwantes
3. Equitable Life
Sir Howard Davies, former Financial Services Authority Chair, Lord Norton of Louth, former Chair of the House of Lords Constitution Committee, Tom Winsor, former Rail Regulator, Ian Cowie, Daily Telegraph and John Kay, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Thursday 20 November at 9.45 a.m.
THURSDAY 20 NOVEMBER
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
Paul Flynn Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins
1. Future Programme
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Official Statistics
Sir Michael Scholar KCB, Chair, Richard Alldritt, Head of Assessment, UK Statistics Authority, and Karen Dunnell, National Statistician and Chief Executive of the Office for
National Statistics, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 26 November at 9.45 a.m.
WEDNESDAY 26 NOVEMBER
Members present:
Dr Tony Wright, in the Chair
David Heyes Mr Gordon Prentice Kelvin Hopkins Paul Rowen Julie Morgan Mr Charles Walker
1. Public Services and the Third Sector: Rhetoric and Reality: Government Response to the Committee’s Eleventh Report of Session 2007-08
Draft Special Report [Public Services and the Third Sector: Rhetoric and Reality: Government Response to the Committee’s Eleventh Report of Session 2007-08], proposed by the Chairman, brought up, read the first and second time, and agreed to.
The Government’s response to the Eleventh Report from the Committee was appended to the Report.
Resolved, That the Report be the Thirteenth Special Report of the Committee to the House.
Ordered, That the Chairman make the Report to the House.
2. Law Commission consultation on Administrative Redress
Resolved, That the Committee respond to the Law Commission’s consultation on Administrative Redress.
3. Equitable Life
Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to Equitable Life be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
EQL 08 – Anthony Wilson EQL 21 – Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (supplementary)
Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to Good Government be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
4. Good Government
GG 10 – Prospect GG 11 – National Audit Office GG 12 – Hansard Society GG 13 – Audit Commission
Ann Abraham, Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, Steve Bundred, Chief Executive, Audit Commission and Tim Burr, Comptroller & Auditor General, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Tuesday 9 December at 10.00 a.m.