Subjects for debate in Backbench time
18 January 2011
The Backbench Business Committee is responsible for scheduling debates on 35 days during the current session, at least 27 of which will be debates in the main Chamber of the House of Commons, with the remainder to be taken in Westminster Hall.
The Committee has determined that the following business will take place in backbench time:
Next available backbench day in the Chamber
Motion relating to Consumer Credit Regulation and Debt Management (Members in charge: Dr Stella Creasy and Justin Tomlinson) (for about three hours).
A debate on this subject was supported by Members from both sides of the House and is particularly timely in the context of the Government’s review of consumer credit.
General debate on reform of legal aid (Member in charge: Yvonne Fovargue) (for up to three hours).
The Committee was told that there is widespread interest in this subject, both within and outside the House. The Committee considers that a general debate would enable Members to express their views in advance of any proposed legislation.
Subsequent backbench day in the Chamber
Motion relating to voting by prisoners (Members in charge: Mr David Davis, Mr Dominic Raab and Mr Jack Straw).
This subject has been raised following the judgment of the European Court that the UK’s ban on prisoner voting breached the European Convention on Human Rights. The Committee was told that a debate on this subject has significant support from backbench Members.
Thursday 3 February in Westminster Hall
Parliamentary reform (Member in charge: Caroline Lucas)
The Committee has received a number of representations to debate proposed reforms to various aspects of Parliamentary procedure and business management. The Committee considers that a general debate on these issues in Westminster Hall would be an appropriate initial step.