HC Deb 21 February 1994 vol 238 c20
44. Mr. Flynn

To ask the Lord President of the Council what new proposals he has to improve the efficacy of the legislative process.

Mr. Newton

It remains my aim to achieve agreement on a balanced package of measures that can be brought before the House.

Mr. Flynn

Is the Leader of the House worried about the great increase in the number of statutory instruments? They have increased by at least 50 per cent. since 1979. Does not that greatly devalue the role of Back-Bench Members and degrade the quality of our democracy?

Mr. Newton

I do not think that it devalues the role of Back-Bench Members of Parliament, given the opportunities that exist to debate statutory instruments in the Standing Committees and the well-established convention —I know that there are some difficulties at present—from which we certainly would not wish to depart, that statutory instruments of sufficient importance are given time on the Floor of the House. I believe that that is a reasonable and sensible approach.