§ Order read for consideration of Lords amendments.
§ Mr. Michael Jopling (Westmorland)On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. It seems to some of us that there is an anomaly in the Lords amendments to this Bill. While I realise that it is not for us to tell the other place how to conduct its affairs, the difficulty which has arisen is that if we examine the amendments which were made to the Bill in another place we find that they are all recorded in the list of amendments which have come down to us with the exception of one.
In column 964 of the debates on the Bill in another place that amendment was moved and agreed by the House but it is not included in the list which has come to us. This gives rise to some confusion because that amendment is crucially important and if it is to remain in the Bill some of us will heartily welcome it.
Since I discovered this situation a short while ago I have had the greatest assistance from the Table Office which has been extremely helpful. I understand that this is normal procedure and that this amendment is treated as a printing amendment. However, some of us might argue that it is a great deal more fundamental than that. Perhaps there could be some discussions between you Mr. Speaker, and the authorities in another place so that we do not find ourselves in such a situation again.
§ Mr. Robin Maxwell-Hyslop (Tiverton)Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. When, in the past, there has been doubt in any one House about the decisions taken in another, it has been said that there are precedents for appointing a Committee to examine the Journals of the other place. May I move "That Mr. Jopling, Mr. Watt and Mr. English constitute such a Committee of this House"?
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. I do not think that the hon. Gentleman can move that. It is a question whether I accept it in any case. His hon. Friend the Member for Westmorland (Mr. Jopling has a quick eye which has caught a discrepancy from the way in which we normally function, but I understand that the usual practice in relation to Lords amendments coming down to this House has been followed.
I willingly undertake to follow up his suggestion that I should communicate with another place to ensure that there will be no further difficulties. However, I do not think there is any real difficulty today. Reference can be made to the amendment if hon. Members wish.