HC Deb 17 June 1997 vol 296 cc128-9W
40. Mr. Bayley

To ask the President of the Council if she will make a statement about the reform of House of Commons procedures and administration. [2325]

Mrs. Ann Taylor

The Government have a clear manifesto commitment to parliamentary reform.

The Select Committee on the Modernisation of the House of Commons, which I chair, has now begun the task of considering how the practices and procedures of the House should be modernised. I hope the Committee will be able to bring forward its initial recommendations on improving the scrutiny of legislative proposals before we rise for the summer.

The administration of the House is a matter for Madam Speaker, the House of Commons Commission, the various domestic committees, and for the House Departments.