Decisions 22 November 2010
Monday 22 November 2010 at 4.30pm in Speaker's House
Present:
The Speaker, in the Chair
Sir Stuart Bell
Rt Hon Hilary Benn
Sir Paul Beresford
John Thurso
Sir George Young (Leader of the House)
1. Interns/Speaker's Scholarships
The Commission agreed that the proposed cross-party scheme for Speaker's Scholarships would be discussed further at its next meeting.
2. Proactive publication
The Commission agreed to add certain items to the House's publication scheme, as set out in the paper considered, subject to consultation with Members and with those staff affected; approved a draft consultation paper for Members and a timescale for consultation; and agreed that a selective disclosure log (omitting trivial items) should be established to make available information disclosed in response to FOI requests.
3. Professional Indemnity and Defamation Insurance (MEC)
The Committee agreed to continue the current insurance cover for Members for professional indemnity and defamation.
4. Publication of information about allowances (MEC)
The Committee agreed that the next publication by the House of information about allowances should take place early in 2011.
5. Prices in Members' Dining Room
The Commission agreed that the charge of £15 for three courses, soft drink and tea or coffee should remain, but that there should be an option of paying £10 for one course, soft drink and tea or coffee.
6. Remit of Finance and Services Committee
The Commission approved the remit drawn up for itself by the Finance and Services Committee.
7. Criteria for seeking repayment of 2009/10 allowance claims
The Committee agreed to publish the criteria for seeking repayment by Members of 2009/10 allowance claims.
8. Commission spokesman
The Commission appointed John Thurso as its spokesman.
9. Dates of future meetings
The Commission/MEC agreed to meet on Tuesday 30 November and Mondays 13 December, 24 January, 14 February, 21 March, 16 May, 20 June, 11 July, 12 September, 17 October, 14 November and 12 December, all at 4.30pm.
The next meeting of the Commission/MEC will take place on Tuesday 30 November 2010 at 4.30pm in Room U, Portcullis House.