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House of Commons Commission decisions

House of Commons Commission decisions – 9 February 2015

9 February 2015

Image of UK Parliament portcullis

Present:

  • The Speaker, in the Chair
  • Frank Doran
  • Angela Eagle
  • Mr William Hague (Leader of the House)
  • John Thurso

1. Governance Committee Report 

The Commission agreed a specification for the position of Director General of the House of Commons based on the job description set out in Annex A to the Report of the Select Committee on House of Commons Governance.  The Commission also agreed a recruitment process in line with the Committee’s recommendations.

The Commission took note of progress in developing a strategy for the House of Commons Service for the period 2015–2020, and agreed that completing this work would be a priority for the Commission after the election.

The Commission agreed to undertake an initial self-assessment of its working practices in March 2015.

The Commission agreed the text of a Written Statement to be made on 11 February.

2. Security: Governance Report implementation

The Commission noted progress with implementation of the recommendations of the Jenkins Review of The Governance of Security for Parliament; endorsed in broad terms the distinctions drawn between security and access functions; agreed that preparations should be made for the recruitment of a Head of Security Operations; and agreed to consider more detailed proposals at its next meeting.

3. Education Centre: Update

The Commission noted progress with the construction of the Education Centre and the services to be provided therein.

4.  Administration Committee matters 

The Commission agreed that e-cigarettes should only be used in designated outdoor areas. Officials will consult the Administration Committee about areas that might be designated.

The Commission agreed with advice from the Administration Committee that a licence should be sought to enable the sale of selected branded alcoholic products in the Houses of Parliament Shop and online.

Following the success of a recent trial, the Commission endorsed a proposal to install additional cameras in the House of Commons Chamber.

5. Any other business

None

6. Date of next meeting

The next meeting of the Commission/MEC will take place on Monday 16 March at 5.00 pm in Speaker’s House.