The hon. Lady makes a valid point. We have examined proper advice on employment law and we will do that again. However, I assure hon. Members that the most complete analysis and investigation of that serious matter will be undertaken. Members of the Commission, under Mr. Speaker's chairmanship, are well...

The hon. Lady makes a valid point. We have examined proper advice on employment law and we will do that again. However, I assure hon. Members that the most complete analysis and investigation of that serious matter will be undertaken. Members of the Commission, under Mr. Speaker's chairmanship, are well...

I always enjoy hearing the hon. Lady, but history gets rewritten quickly. If she reads Hansard tomorrow, she will realise that I did not say what she claims.

I always enjoy hearing the hon. Lady, but history gets rewritten quickly. If she reads Hansard tomorrow, she will realise that I did not say what she claims.

The hon. Gentleman's point touches on what the shadow Leader of the House said. There is a perception in the public domain that the salaries of Members of Parliament's secretaries and assistants are part of our income. I was on a TV programme with Andrew Neil, who said to the...

The hon. Gentleman's point touches on what the shadow Leader of the House said. There is a perception in the public domain that the salaries of Members of Parliament's secretaries and assistants are part of our income. I was on a TV programme with Andrew Neil, who said to the...

My hon. Friend makes her point, which is a matter for the Government, not me as a member of the House of Commons Commission. I simply say that, between now and 29 October, staff salaries and their relation to Members of Parliament will be carefully considered.

My hon. Friend makes her point, which is a matter for the Government, not me as a member of the House of Commons Commission. I simply say that, between now and 29 October, staff salaries and their relation to Members of Parliament will be carefully considered.

I have only 10 minutes to spend on the subject and I should like to make some progress. The shadow Leader of the House mentioned the Green Book and that it is only a month old. The Green Book is a book of principles and governance and it carefully states...

I have only 10 minutes to spend on the subject and I should like to make some progress. The shadow Leader of the House mentioned the Green Book and that it is only a month old. The Green Book is a book of principles and governance and it carefully states...

I assure my hon. Friend that no decisions will be made without a full review by the House of every aspect of the evidence.

I assure my hon. Friend that no decisions will be made without a full review by the House of every aspect of the evidence.

My hon. Friend has hit on an important point. Not only is there the question of transfer; there is also the question of pensions and pension rights, which is a major matter that we will need to consider.

My hon. Friend has hit on an important point. Not only is there the question of transfer; there is also the question of pensions and pension rights, which is a major matter that we will need to consider.

My hon. Friend makes a point similar to that which the Opposition made earlier about the anxiety among staff, even if we have a general election and there are changes in the membership of the House, about what would happen to them. As I am indicating, at this moment in...

My hon. Friend makes a point similar to that which the Opposition made earlier about the anxiety among staff, even if we have a general election and there are changes in the membership of the House, about what would happen to them. As I am indicating, at this moment in...

That is a pertinent point. The Leader of the House said that the House of Commons Commission would examine the matter carefully between now and 29 October. My right hon. and learned Friend was asked whether it would take evidence and representations. I assure hon. Members that, under the chairmanship...

That is a pertinent point. The Leader of the House said that the House of Commons Commission would examine the matter carefully between now and 29 October. My right hon. and learned Friend was asked whether it would take evidence and representations. I assure hon. Members that, under the chairmanship...

I am grateful for the opportunity to speak early in the debate and to follow my right hon. and learned Friend the Leader of House. I also speak as a member of the House of Commons Commission and of the Members Estimate Committee. I welcome my right hon. and learned...

I am grateful for the opportunity to speak early in the debate and to follow my right hon. and learned Friend the Leader of House. I also speak as a member of the House of Commons Commission and of the Members Estimate Committee. I welcome my right hon. and learned...

I have been talked out on the Floor of the House. This is a debate of the utmost importance—constitutionally, for this Chamber and for Members of Parliament. We belong to the future, as well as the past. We must remember that point, because it is extremely important—a sovereign people and...

I have been talked out on the Floor of the House. This is a debate of the utmost importance—constitutionally, for this Chamber and for Members of Parliament. We belong to the future, as well as the past. We must remember that point, because it is extremely important—a sovereign people and...

My hon. Friend makes an important point about the transfer from the incidental expenses provision to salaries, which is also one that we may look at.

My hon. Friend makes an important point about the transfer from the incidental expenses provision to salaries, which is also one that we may look at.

My hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield, Heeley (Meg Munn) makes another point, from a sedentary position, which I have already made to the authorities. There is such a thing as TUPE—the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981, which we passed through this House many years ago. As...

My hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield, Heeley (Meg Munn) makes another point, from a sedentary position, which I have already made to the authorities. There is such a thing as TUPE—the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981, which we passed through this House many years ago. As...

My hon. Friend makes an important point.

My hon. Friend makes an important point.