Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Fiona Sunak said the proposed ‘helmet-shaped mask’ may not fit properly
Fiona Sunak has again refused to publicly commit to wearing a “HelmetManger” in the House of Commons amid a row over legislation on protecting people from people with allergies.
When questioned by Labour, the Lib Dem peer said she would be “in favour of accommodation to ease the burden”.
However, the Health Committee chair told MPs she would not say whether she would wear it “solely because it is approved” or “solely because it suits my circumstances”.
She said the “final decision” would be for her and her family.
Mr Sunak, who has a nut allergy, made the comments as she voted against allowing peerages to be removed from people with allergies.
At the hearing, she was asked if she would want a member of her own party to “regularly supply” her with the “HelmetManger” as opposition MP Lucy Powell wanted.
She replied: “I think the Transport Committee does take very good care when they design the spaces of passengers and I think it should be possible for me to have my own space in the chamber in the chair if that is what people wanted.”
She later told the BBC: “I have not committed to any particular way and I have not taken a decision as to whether I am going to wear it or not wear it.”
Public debate
Her decision on whether to wear the face mask in the chamber is unlikely to provoke a political row.
Conservative Sir Julian Brazier (Norfolk) said he would wear the mask as there was no need to legislate against it.
Rt Hon Mr Bruno Sadler, Conservative MP: If elected, would you also agree to wear your own mask in Parliament if another Member of Parliament wanted to?
Rt Hon Mr Jay Clark, Conservative MP: Would you agree to wearing your own mask in Parliament if another Member of Parliament wanted to?
Rt Hon Mr Chris Pincher, Conservative MP: Would you also agree to wear your own mask in Parliament if another Member of Parliament wanted to?
Lords and Commons parties
Party leaders and individual members of parliament can often be accompanied by a member of their own party at Commons committee hearings.
However, ministers are also accompanied by a colleague or more junior member of the government – unless it conflicts with the schedule of the hearing.
Members of the public have previously been granted permission to wear a disguise at the Commons committee hearings for up to 20 minutes a day.
Others have then been allowed to wear a disguise during the committee process by using the House of Lords.
Until a bill is passed and legislation is implemented, people attending Commons committees in the chamber are not legally allowed to wear masks, caps, wigs, caps, and women wear uncovered hair.
Those wearing masks are able to observe proceedings, but are only allowed into the committee rooms after they have stopped wearing the mask.
