Parliamentary Scrutiny

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

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Photo of Barbara Keeley Barbara Keeley The Deputy Leader of the House of Commons 10:30, 15 October 2009

Averages are perhaps not the best way to look at this matter. I looked at recent Bill Committees, including the Equality Bill. It had six hours of debate on Second Reading, seven hours of evidence taking and 38 hours of scrutiny sessions in Committee-a total of 51 hours-and it will have further time on Report. Before that, there was extensive written consultation, which brought in 4,000 responses. It is an excellent Bill, and there has been a great deal of scrutiny.