We are 24 hours away from the meeting of the Public Administration Select Committee which will consider the circumstances surrounding the elevation to the peerage of Michael Ashcroft in 2000 on the recommendation of William Hague.

The Committee invited Lord Ashcroft and William Hague to give evidence.  We are still waiting to hear from them.

I have dipped into Erskine May (as one does) and guidance is given on page 759.

A Member of the Commons may not be formally summoned before a select committee.  But if he or she refuses, the committee ought to acquaint the House of this fact.

Lords “have leave to attend if they wish” but cannot be compelled.

So there we have it.

More will follow as the mists clear.