You spoke earlier about the precedent that was set in 2010. My understanding is that then Conservative minister Jay Hill made it clear that political staff would not appear before committees. He stated:
These employees are accountable to their superiors, and ultimately to their minister, for the proper and competent execution of their duties.
He followed with this:
There is a clear case to be made that the accountability of political staff ought to be satisfied through ministers. Ministers ran for office and accepted the role and responsibility of being a minister. Staff did not.
I know you may find it hard to answer, but do you find it somewhat hypocritical that now the Conservatives, or other members of this committee, are arguing the opposite when it suits them politically?
Can you also tell us what happened in 2010? Who ended up showing up at the committee to testify?