Please allow me the right to decide what legislation I support. I made it clear in media interviews and elsewhere that I opposed the Bill.

I accept with hindsight that I could have been more vociferous at the committee. But committee stages don’t vote on the principle of a Bill – that comes at second and third reading. I didn’t think the Bill amendable into an acceptable form, though existing legislation could have been amended to address the two points Maclean made. But that would have been outwith the scope of his Bill, which quite unnecessarily removed Parliament from the Act.

Simon’s EDM is fine until it denies the problem about correspondence, which I know to have some validity.

You didn’t ask the committee approved to put it to a vote.

You didn’t propose any amendments at the committee stage

Whilst you said you were “queasy” about it but then went on to say, “However, it is up to those who do not believe that the Bill, which has the advantage of clarity and simplicity, is the way to address these very real issues to come up with a better suggestion.” which is hardly trenchent opposition.

And as far as I see Simon Hughes’ EDM (no 1545) isn’t among the 718 EDM’s you’ve decided to sign in the current session.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/topstories/2007/10/15/fingerprint-doubt-over-kelly-suicide-89520-19952329/

Keep up the good work, Norman.

Speaker Martin was not under attack for being a “lousy speaker” but for allegedly following discriminatory employment practices for senior posts. This was not true (The Times apologised and withdrew their claim) and left unchecked could have made it hard to fill posts. The sums quoted are gross – ie before press repaying some.

The Commission is the cross-party body which oversees the running of the Commons. It would be absurd not to be on it. And I did NOT support the FOI Amendment Act!

It should also probably be noted that Private Eye have been highlighting both the dodgy boss of the NAO and Speaker Martin’s waste of public cash for months.

If he want s lawyers to deal with that he should pay for it personally rather than expect the taxpayer to pay.

I am very glad we have Norman in our party and long may his good work continue.

What purpose does Nick serve by being on this commission? It was as its spokesman that he supported the plan to exempt MPs from FoI IIRC.