Clause 1 - Power to establish inquiry

Part of Inquiries Bill [Lords] – in a Public Bill Committee am 10:30 am ar 22 Mawrth 2005.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Peter Atkinson Peter Atkinson Whip, Whips 10:30, 22 Mawrth 2005

With respect, the hon. Gentleman has not been listening to the hon. Member for Cambridge. We want Parliament to have a say. There would not be an inquiry every time someone made an allegation against a Minister because an inquiry would be triggered by Parliament, which would not agree to inquiries every time. Surely the hon. Gentleman can understand that an issue of such huge importance that did so much damage—like the foot and mouth epidemic—should be subject to a proper inquiry. I am sure that Parliament would have voted for a proper inquiry to clear Ministers of serious allegations, if nothing else.