Both MPs and Peers had a brief recess last week, to cover the Bank Holiday and the half term for some schools. While we were all away from Westminster – and journalists were too – Government Ministers were up to their usual tricks. It is a favourite sport to get out controversial announcements when we are less likely to notice them and respond.

On Wednesday, therefore, the Aviation Minister admitted that the problem of air contamination in aircraft cockpits and cabins was so serious that his department was authorising a programme of on-flight tests. The smell may be more than unpleasant: these toxic fumes can cause a blackout. You may remember that – only a week before – his Ministerial colleague in the Lords was trying to reassure me that there was no great problem, and that pilots and aircrews affected by “fume events” need not be so worried. You can read all about these various exchanges here, so I won’t bother you with the details here.

However, what really concerns Members of both Houses is the regularity with which Ministers deliberately pick opportunities to bypass Parliament and make announcements direct to the media instead. It has been going on for 20 years, under successive Governments, but it is getting worse……Very sneaky!