This may seem a curious topic for the blog: let me explain. While our proceedings in the Lords Chamber open with prayers, led by one of the Bishops, this is not what I felt needed some explanation.
Instead, I am referring to the business of the House last Thursday. Under the heading “Freedom of Information (additional Public Authorities) Order 2008” that day’s Hansard records that:
Lord Tyler rose to move, That an Humble Address be presented to Her Majesty praying that the order, laid before the House on 8 May, be annulled.
Please don’t get the wrong idea. Even if I had pressed the issue to a vote (and I didn’t) I don’t think anyone would have been despatched to Buckingham Palace to present “an Humble Address”. However, this is the only way in which we Parliamentarians (in either House) can call in question so called “secondary legislation”. Sometimes the significance to the public is greater than the much scrutinised statute (Act of Parliament) on which it is based. In this case, it was really an opportunity to press the Minister on the Government’s plans for reviewing, and hopefully strengthening, the law on freedom of information. I am very keen on transparency and openness in all public services. If you are too, you can read more in the official record or on my website.
Meanwhile, I should also report that I did pray in a more conventional way at the monthly service for MPs and Peers at the St Margaret’s, Westminster, last week, and at the National Prayer Breakfast in Westminster Hall this Tuesday. But no speech was required in either case. The Almighty does not rely on Hansard!
