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MPs debate paid directorships and the NHS

17 July 2013

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MPs debated Members of Parliament and paid directorships and consultancies on Wednesday 17 July 2013 in the House of Commons, in the first of two debates to take place on subjects chosen by the Opposition. The second Opposition debate was on managing risk in the NHS

MPs and paid directorships and consultancies

Shadow Minister for the Cabinet Office, Jon Trickett, moved the Opposition motion for debate:

"That this House believes that, as part of a wider regulatory framework for second jobs, from the start of the next Parliament no hon. Members should be permitted to hold paid directorships or consultancies".

The Leader of the House of Commons, Mr Andrew Lansley, responded on behalf of the Government.

The House of Commons voted by 310 to 223 against the Opposition motion on paid directorships and consultancies.

Managing risk in the NHS

The second Opposition debate was on managing risk in the NHS. Shadow Secretary of State for Health, Andy Burnham, moved the motion for debate. The Secretary of State for Health, Mr Jeremy Hunt, responded on behalf of the Government.

The House of Commons voted by 277 to 214 against the Opposition motion on managing risk in the NHS.

Opposition day debates

Opposition days are days allocated in the House of Commons in each session for the discussion of subjects chosen by the Opposition.

Seventeen days are at the disposal of the Leader of the Opposition, the leader of the largest opposition party, to decide which matters are debated. Three days are usually divided between the other opposition parties.

The Opposition generally use them to raise questions of policy and administration. Frequently, two separate subjects are debated on an opposition day.

Watching Opposition day debates from the public gallery

UK residents and overseas visitors can watch proceedings in the House of Commons by visiting the public gallery.

This article was produced by the Commons Digital Outreach Team. Follow @HouseofCommons on Twitter for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber.