Private member's bill process 'needs reform'

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MPs have called for changes to House of Commons procedure to stop private member's bills being filibustered.

At questions to the leader of the House Duncan Hames (Lib Dem, Chippenham) complained that PMBs need protection from "anti-social behaviour" by some MPs.

He said the bills are at the mercy of "obfustication", damaging the reputation of the House.

Commons deputy leader David Heath said there had been a "no question of filibustering" in recent debates on PMBs, but clear procedural devices had been used.

Changes to those procedures are a matter for the House and not the government, he added.

Shadow deputy leader Helen Jones asked for an assurance that ministers would not use similar tactics to talk out an important PMB on gangmasters.

Heath recalled his own frustration at MPs "talking at length" during readings of his private member's bills and said any changes are a matter for the procedure committee.

Philip Hollobone (Con, Kettering) asked if questions to the leader of the House should be merged into the business statement that takes place every Thursday.

Sir George Young, leader of the House, said as the Commons moves towards the establishment of a business committee the current arrangements will have to be looked at.

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