Speaker intervenes in MP phone tap row
epolitix.com: The Commons speaker has said he takes a possible government move to permit the tapping of MPs' telephones "very seriously".
Michael Martin said on Wednesday it was "an important matter" which he would "reflect" upon.
The comments came after exchanges during prime minister's questions.
Labour MP David Winnick had urged Tony Blair to allow "a proper debate in the House of Commons and a vote" on any move to overturn existing policy which bars the routine tapping of Commons telephones.
"There are constitutional issues involved and I hope [the prime minister] recognises that," Winnick said.
Responding, Blair said that "at some point" he would come forward with proposals.
But he told MPs the issue was "nothing to do, as has been reported, with my desire in the wake of terrorism, or Iraq or anything else to tap MPs' phones".
The prime minister said it was on the agenda solely as a result of recommendations from the intercepts commissioner.
"Those are recommendations I am obliged to reflect upon," he said.
"I will reflect upon them, discuss it obviously with colleagues and we will come forward with proposals when we are ready."
Following the exchanges, the Commons speaker said he would "reflect" on the comments of MPs and the prime minister.
"I also say that it puts a responsibility on my shoulders because I cannot discuss security matters on the floor of the house," Martin added.
He was responding to a point of order from Alex Salmond, who said the prime minister's comments "appeared to give credence to reports that I had previously thought were stuff and nonsense".
The SNP leader said it was "a matter which touches on parliamentary privilege". Read more
db: Who runs this country? MI5, the Police, or maybe the interception of communications commissioner Sir Swinton Thomas? [If you have seen a photograph of this guy please mail to db - he has a LOW profile]
Michael Martin said on Wednesday it was "an important matter" which he would "reflect" upon.
The comments came after exchanges during prime minister's questions.
Labour MP David Winnick had urged Tony Blair to allow "a proper debate in the House of Commons and a vote" on any move to overturn existing policy which bars the routine tapping of Commons telephones.
"There are constitutional issues involved and I hope [the prime minister] recognises that," Winnick said.
Responding, Blair said that "at some point" he would come forward with proposals.
But he told MPs the issue was "nothing to do, as has been reported, with my desire in the wake of terrorism, or Iraq or anything else to tap MPs' phones".
The prime minister said it was on the agenda solely as a result of recommendations from the intercepts commissioner.
"Those are recommendations I am obliged to reflect upon," he said.
"I will reflect upon them, discuss it obviously with colleagues and we will come forward with proposals when we are ready."
Following the exchanges, the Commons speaker said he would "reflect" on the comments of MPs and the prime minister.
"I also say that it puts a responsibility on my shoulders because I cannot discuss security matters on the floor of the house," Martin added.
He was responding to a point of order from Alex Salmond, who said the prime minister's comments "appeared to give credence to reports that I had previously thought were stuff and nonsense".
The SNP leader said it was "a matter which touches on parliamentary privilege". Read more
db: Who runs this country? MI5, the Police, or maybe the interception of communications commissioner Sir Swinton Thomas? [If you have seen a photograph of this guy please mail to db - he has a LOW profile]
posted by exoplanet at 11:53 PM
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