The reference typically adopted by the Procedure Committee early in a new parliament to inquire into the maintenance of the standing orders provides a formal mechanism for the Committee to monitor and consider the practical operation and effectiveness of House procedures.
In our interim report of May 2018, we identified some relatively minor technical issues and inconsistencies in the standing orders and suggested amendments to address them. The interim report also noted that the Committee had identified some additional issues that we felt warranted further consideration and consultation.
This final report reflects our deliberations on those issues. The Committee’s views were informed by a number of private roundtables with key officeholders and interested Members where we were able to test our proposals and obtain considered feedback. On behalf of the Committee, I thank all those who participated in these discussions.
I also thank my Committee colleagues for their consideration of these matters.