§ 37. Mr. Gordon Prentice (Pendle)If she will institute a review of the purpose and effectiveness of the Privy Council; and if she will make a statement. [109654]
§ The Parliamentary Secretary, Privy Council Office (Mr. Paddy Tipping)No, the Privy Council is a long-established and effective example of joined-up government, which continues to play a useful role in a variety of policy matters.
§ Mr. PrenticeI am again disappointed. Does the House share my astonishment that some Orders in Council are never seen in the Houses of Parliament—for example, orders on new coinage? The pound in our pocket—its shape, what it looks or feels like—is not debated either by peers or Members of this place. The matter is decided by the Privy Council using prerogative powers. Given that we have such a tremendously modernising Government—they want to modernise everything out of sight—surely some parts of our ancient, creaking constitution should be visited. Is not the Privy Council one of those?
§ Mr. TippingMuch has already been done to modernise our procedures and more will be done. Later this year, the Privy Council will have its own website—a real example of new technology and forward thinking.
As for Orders in Council, my hon. Friend will be aware that they are all published and available for public scrutiny.