§ Madam SpeakerI have a short statement to make to the House. The House will recall that on 13 April I undertook to reflect upon the way in which the House is informed of the death of one of its Members.
I have taken account of a wide range of opinion on this matter, including views expressed to me on behalf of the Procedure Committee, and I have had regard to the very different considerations that apply to individual cases. I have concluded that there is at the moment no consensus about a single change in our practice that would meet all cases, and that it would therefore be best, for the present, for a formal announcement to continue to be made as hitherto. In addition, of course, there will be the opportunity for a memorial service or meeting to be arranged. Moreover, the Order Paper is available for the expression of opinion by way of motions and can, therefore, be used for Members' tributes to former colleagues to be placed on record.
If hon. Members have any further thoughts on this matter, I should be glad if they would let me have them in writing. It is not something that I think we could profitably spend time on now.