Tuesday, 28 May 2024

Production of documents

Energy policy

The Clerk: I present a letter from the Attorney-General dated 17 May 2024 in response to a resolution of the Council on 1 May 2024 on the motion of Mr Davis relating to national energy bodies. The letter states that the government has undertaken thorough and diligent searches and does not hold a copy of the documents sought.

David Davis: On a point of order, President, it is a little disingenuous to argue that the government just does not hold these documents.

A member: It is not a point of order.

David Davis: It is a point of order.

The PRESIDENT: I think you are debating a point of order.

David Davis: President, the orders of the chamber were quite clear, and the government has access to those documents.

The PRESIDENT: I think there are a couple of things you have access to, Mr Davis, and one of them would be to just move a motion to take note of the minister’s letter on the next day of meeting.

David Davis: I will certainly do that, President, but I think there is also a point of order. The point of order is that the document tabled is incorrect. The government does have access.

The PRESIDENT: You are debating again, Mr Davis.

David DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan) (13:04): I move:

That the minister’s response letter be taken into account on the next day of meeting.

Motion agreed to.

David DAVIS: I move, by leave:

That debate on the letter be handled forthwith.

Leave refused.