Special Adviser

Oral Answers to Questions — House of Commons Commission – in the House of Commons at 10:30 am on 15 October 2009.

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Photo of David Taylor David Taylor Labour, North West Leicestershire 10:30, 15 October 2009

What procedures were used to recruit Mr. Speaker's special adviser.

Photo of Stuart Bell Stuart Bell Second Church Estates Commissioner

Mr. Speaker's special adviser was engaged via a contract for services, not an employment contract, under the House's normal procurement arrangements.

Photo of David Taylor David Taylor Labour, North West Leicestershire

I ask the question according the maxim, "Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?"-Juvenal's famous phrase. Will the Chairman of the House of Commons Commission or the person acting for him state how the Speaker's arrangements will be kept under supervision by Parliament when the Speaker-in whom I have confidence-chairs the Commission?

Photo of Stuart Bell Stuart Bell Second Church Estates Commissioner

I congratulate my hon. Friend on being Back Bencher of the year. Clearly, the House has all sorts of supervisory methods, procedures and actions, and I am sure that our rules and any supervision that is required in relation to the Speaker will be handled by the Commission We welcome the appointment, which is very important for the Speaker, enabling him to continue to carry out the programme that he announced to the House when he ran for Speaker. The appointment is therefore important to the House's future development, and we should all welcome it.

Photo of Andrew MacKay Andrew MacKay Conservative, Bracknell

Does the hon. Gentleman accept that the appointment of a special adviser to the Speaker should be exactly the same as such appointments to Ministers? It is a very personal appointment and it should not go through other procedures. As someone who knows Mr. Tim Hames professionally, I can think of no better person for the appointment.

Photo of Stuart Bell Stuart Bell Second Church Estates Commissioner

Yes, we all know Mr. Tim Hames from his days at The Times and welcome his crossing over from one island to another-I shall say no more than that. It is a good appointment, the decision was carefully taken, and we welcome him to the House. He will begin his duties on 3 November.