From: EVANS, Adam [mailto:evansab@parliament.uk]
Sent: 16 September 2015 14:36
Subject: *Extended deadline*: EVEL and the Future of the
Union Inquiry
Importance: High
Dear colleagues,
You are probably aware that the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Select Committee has launched an inquiry into English Votes for English Laws and the Future of the Union. While the deadline for submissions was initially the 8th September, I wanted to alert you to the fact that, in light of the high interest in this subject, this has now been extended until mid-October with an intention to begin oral evidence sessions in November. Please find the terms of reference below:
“The Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs
Select Committee (PACAC) has just launched a major inquiry into the
constitutional implications of the Government’s proposed
amendment to House of Commons Standing Orders which will introduce
'English Votes for English Laws.'
This inquiry focusses on the broader constitutional implications of
the Government’s proposal to establish a system of
‘English Votes for English Laws'.
This is in response to the desire for more consideration and reflection on the implications of this proposal. While the Procedure Committee will focus on the changes to Standing Orders on the House of Commons, PACAC's inquiry will seek to evaluate the effect of the change on the UK constitution as a whole.
The Committee therefore invites written evidence on the following questions, dividing the inquiry into two parts:
Part 1 (England)
It is possible that, as part of these deliberations, Committee members may also be interested in responses that touch on some additional points:
1) The compatibility of English Votes for English Laws with the continued existence of the Barnett formula
2) Proposed Standing Order 83J(6) would enable the Speaker to certify a Bill as “relating exclusively to England or England and Wales” should it contain schedules or clauses that have “minor or consequential effects” on other parts of the United Kingdom (including the amendment of Scottish or Northern Irish legislation). What is a “minor or consequential effect” and what are the potential implications or this for the conduct of business at Westminster and more broadly for the Union?
Part 2 (The future of the Union)
Deadline for written evidence
The deadline for submissions is Tuesday 8 September 2015. Evidence sessions will start in the Autumn.
Where to submit evidence
Written submissions should be submitted via the English Votes for English Laws and the Future of the Union inquiry page, where further guidance and information can also be found.”
Kind regards,
Adam
Adam Evans, Committee Specialist, Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Select Committee (PACAC)
Tel: 0207 219 6923 Email: evansab@parliament.uk
Twitter: @CommonsPACAC