Dr Michael Clark (Rayleigh, Conservative)

Before we commence our proceedings, I wish to make two announcements. First, I promised the right hon. Member for Fylde (Mr. Jack) confirmation of the ruling that I made a week ago regarding laptop computers and other such devices in Committee. I have checked with the Chairman of Ways and Means and the ruling that I made is correct. There has been no change to that ruling since last year. Laptop computers are not allowed in Committee.

Secondly, for the benefit of the Government Whip, I should say that the chuckwagon will be here at about 11 o'clock. I am sure that I do not have to remind him that it is necessary to remain quorate if members of the Committee wish to respond to the refreshments that will be provided outside the Room.

Mr Graham Allen (Government Whip (technically Vice Chamberlain, HM Household); Nottingham North, Labour)

On a point of order, Dr. Clark. I have been in intensive negotiations this morning with those in the Refreshment Department and understand that it will be convenient for them if the chuckwagon arrives between 10.30 and 10.45 am. The Department is short staffed, but because of our cross-party representations, it has agreed to provide refreshments at that time.

Dr Michael Clark (Rayleigh, Conservative)

Thank you. The quorum situation has not changed—unless the hon. Gentleman has renegotiated that, too, which I very much doubt. There still needs to be 10 members of the Committee present in the Room. The quorum is 11, and that includes me.

Mr Andrew Bennett (Denton & Reddish, Labour)

On a point of order, Dr. Clark. Will you express to the Chairmen's Panel hon. Members' considerable concern about the arcane ruling on laptop computers? I accept that any equipment in the Room should not interfere with the proceedings of the Committee, but it is a mystery why we cannot have such devices, given that they would make us more efficient in Committee.

Dr Michael Clark (Rayleigh, Conservative)

A ruling was made a year ago in response to a point of order raised in last year's Finance Bill Committee by the right hon. Member for Fylde. The subject was discussed extensively with the Chairmen's Panel and the Chairman of Ways and Means and it was felt strongly by the Chairmen that the devices should be allowed in Committee, provided that they were used to help hon. Members understand the proceedings of the Committee better, not for letter writing and constituency work. Unfortunately, despite that strong recommendation, it seems that the ruling has not been changed. I shall therefore, on behalf of members of the Committee, ask the Chairman of Ways and Means once again to pursue the matter, so that we may come to a more acceptable ruling.

Mr Michael Jack (Fylde, Conservative)

Further to that point of order, Dr. Clark. I raised the original point of order because last year's ruling was that no electronic devices should be brought into Committee. It so happens that, of all the electronic devices that may be within the curtilage of Committee Room 10, laptop computers were singled out as the electronic device that could not be used. In response to my letter, the previous Speaker very kindly said in a postscript that the matter should be looked at. I am most grateful to you, Dr. Clark, for again seeking a review of the matter by the Chairmen's Panel and others, perhaps with a view to a ruling for the next Parliament.

Dr Michael Clark (Rayleigh, Conservative)

The right hon. Gentleman will realise that my previous ruling was against him—I am not using that word offensively. I was obliged to make it to conform with the rules of the House. I made representations on his behalf for the ruling to be changed.

Mr David Taylor (North West Leicestershire, Labour/Co-operative)

Further to that point of order, Dr. Clark. The Select Committee on the Modernisation of the House of Commons, of which I am a member, has discussed the matter in detail, and continues to do so. It hopes, in the next Parliament, to offer recommendations to the House in relation to the use of laptops and other electronic devices. Many members of the Select Committee consider such reform to be overdue.

Dr Michael Clark (Rayleigh, Conservative)

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that explanation.

Clause 70 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Schedules 22 and 23 agreed to.

Clause 71 ordered to stand part of the Bill.