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    'No plans' to debate Ipsa



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    11th November 2010

    The government has no plans to debate the workings of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa), the Commons has heard.

    Bob Russell (Lib Dem, Colchester) pointed to exchanges last month when the shadow Commons leader had called for a debate on Ipsa, to which he was told the Opposition could table a debate.

    During Commons exchange on forthcoming business, he said: "Ipsa is of concern to debate for all members of the House, is it time for the government to now have a debate."

    The rebel Lib Dem MP said the authority has been "obstructing" the work of MPs who now spend hours completing forms.

    In response, Commons leader Sir George Young said the government does not plan to have a debate.

    He told MPs he will be meeting with interim chief execexutive of Ipsa later today and will pass on his concerns.

    Sir George told the chamber it is Ipsa's "objective and duty" to support members in the performance of their duties and not obstruct them.

    Tory MP Adam Afriyie (Windsor) had too already made his case for parliamentary time on the workings of the authority before the backbench business committee.

    He reffered to the recent cuts announced in the comprehensive spending review and suggested Parliament's administration should also be scaled back.

    "Following the cuts announced in the comprehensive spending review, Parliament should not be immune from cuts," he said.

    The Windsor MP called for a debate on reducing the cost of the administration by Ipsa.

    "Should a debate be in government time or backbench business time," he asked.

    The Commons leader said the debate should take place in backbench business time.

    He said the House of Commons commission had "made clear it will reduce costs by at least 17 per cent".

    Referring to the document that outlines possible economies, Sir George said the Commission budget does not cover Ipsa, which "comes out of a separate head".



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