HC Deb 04 December 2001 vol 376 cc165-6W
Mr. Lazarowicz

To ask the President of the Council if he will bring forward proposals to extend pre-legislative scrutiny. [17536]

Mr. Robin Cook

We have increased the number of draft bills published and opened up the process of pre-legislative scrutiny. Pre-legislative scrutiny should improve legislation, but demands more effort from all those involved. I hope to see a steady increase in its use until it occurs with the majority of bills, but that will take time to develop.