Lords/Commons Service Provision

Oral Answers to Questions — House of Commons Commission – in the House of Commons at 9:30 am on 29 November 2012.

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Photo of Thomas Docherty Thomas Docherty Labour, Dunfermline and West Fife 9:30, 29 November 2012

What recent discussions the Commission has had with the Lords House Committee on greater sharing of service provision.

Photo of John Thurso John Thurso Chair, Finance and Services Committee, Chair, Finance and Services Committee

The Commission has had no recent discussions with the Lords House Committee on greater sharing of service provision, but the House administration remains very open to opportunities for areas where joint working with the House of Lords will provide benefits, while bearing it in mind that, on occasion, the priorities of the two Houses will diverge.

Photo of Thomas Docherty Thomas Docherty Labour, Dunfermline and West Fife

I am grateful for that answer. We Scots know that Aberdonians have a particular reputation for knowing the value of tuppence. Given that Lord Sewel is now the Chairman of the Lords House Committee, does the hon. Gentleman think that there is a real opportunity in 2013 to make significant progress with the Commons Administration Committee’s recommendations on how to cut costs, cut bureaucracy and save the taxpayer money?

Photo of John Thurso John Thurso Chair, Finance and Services Committee, Chair, Finance and Services Committee

I believe there are significant opportunities. I had the opportunity to work with the noble Lord Sewel on the Scotland Bill in the other place, and I had a felicitous meeting with him at Aberdeen airport two weeks ago when we discussed this very subject. I look forward to making progress in the future.