David Norris (Independent)

I have to dissociate myself from any attacks on the National Union of Journalists, of which I am, after all, a member. It is unfortunate that these attacks were made when the person specified was not present.

I fully support benchmarking and, at least privately, so does every Member of the House. As public representatives, we work very hard. We were seriously underpaid for many years. I am glad that this report, which covers everybody, has gone through. I know that payments will be staged so that they will not cause financial embarrassment for Government in what are difficult times. That is appropriate.