§ 53. Mr. Graham Allen (Nottingham, North)To ask the President of the Council if he will bring forward a schedule for pre-legislative scrutiny online for all Bills before the next Queen's Speech. [81518]
§ The Parliamentary Secretary, Privy Council Office (Mr. Ben Bradshaw)Whether to conduct pre-legislative 164 scrutiny online is a matter for decision by the Committee concerned, although we hope that it might become the usual practice, as circumstances allow.
§ Mr. AllenObviously, there are difficulties with giving all Bills pre-legislative scrutiny as the programme has been agreed, but there should be no such excuse for next year. Departments are considering Bills now for next year's programme. Will my hon. Friend ensure that the wage bill for Members of Parliament does not go up more than 4 per cent. before that essential modernisation takes place?
§ Mr. BradshawAs my hon. Friend is aware, the wages of Members of Parliament are subject to independent review by the Senior Salaries Review Body, but we certainly take on board his point about pre-legislative scrutiny online. I have had meetings with him and our correspondence is continuing. We are trying to do what we can to expedite the process.