Constitutional Reform and Governance Bill

Cases; my apologies. It may,""in exceptional cases, prepare a report at any other time about any matter relating to the carrying out of its functions."" Amendment 55, proposed by my hon. Friend the Member for Cannock Chase (Dr. Wright), would delete the phrase "in exceptional cases". Although I think the amendment is unnecessary, we are in agreement about what this provision should mean for the commission. The legislation gives the commission powers to prepare and lay before Parliament a report, in addition to an annual report, about any matter relating to the carrying out of its functions. This reflects the system practice. Members have asked why the word "exceptional" has been used. The commission has produced an annual report each year since 1855. It covers activities undertaken during the year in upholding the principle that selection for appointment to the civil service must be on merit and on the basis of fair and open competition. The report also covers its other work, such as its role in promoting the core values of the civil service as set out in the civil service code, and a summary of finances during that year. Since 1855, the commission has never produced an additional report, so by definition, it would be "exceptional" if it were to do so. However, the provision is there in the legislation should it wish to do so. So "exceptional" is a statement of fact, in that to produce an additional report would be exceptional. However, it should be within the power of the commissioners to take that decision if they feel they want to produce another report. I therefore urge my hon. Friend to withdraw his amendment. The points that he made are covered, in that, if the commissioners want to produce a further report, they are entirely able to do so under the legislation.