§ As amended (in the Standing Committee), considered.
§ Ms. Clare Short (Birmingham, Ladywood)On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I wish to object, to and to ask you to reconsider, your selection for today. You have not selected my new clause that seeks to amend the Bill, and I do not think that the reasons that I have heard are reasonable ones.
My attempt to amend the Bill arose from the provisions of the Bill as put before the House on Second Reading, which included, for example, a list of visual images that were to be accounted obscene. I was not on the Committee, so my next chance to amend the Bill arises on Report, but a new clause related to the Bill as originally drafted is not to be accepted for discussion. There is enormous public feeling about this matter. When there is strong feeling outside that there should be some change in the law, but the matter cannot be discussed in the House, the House is brought into disrepute.
§ Mr. SpeakerI thank the hon. Lady.
I have explained to her why I could not accept her new clause. As she knows, her amendment is starred and was tabled only yesterday. The Bill was reported more than 10 days ago and it is not normally my practice to select starred amendments. It is quite in order for the hon. Lady to advance her arguments during the debate on the amendments on the Order Paper that have been selected.