§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Lord Privy Seal what action he intends to take with regard to the implementation of the proposals made in the second report from the Committee of Privileges, Session 1984–85, regarding the premature disclosure of proceedings of Select Committees.
§ Mr. BiffenI understand that the procedures recommended in paragraphs 11, 12 and 13 of the report are already being followed by Select Committees. As regards the recommendation [paragraph 14(iv)] that a report by a Select Committee that a leak had caused "substantial interference" to its work should be automatically referred to the Committee of Privileges: I propose that any change in Standing Orders should be deferred until the effect of the implementation of the other recommendations made in the report can be assessed.