HC Deb 13 May 1988 vol 133 c654

Read a Second time.

Bill committed to a Committee of the Whole House—[Mr. Amess.]

Bill immediately considered in Committee; reported, without amendment; read the Third time, and passed.

Mr. Ivor Stanbrook (Orpington)

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. With regard to the one Bill that has passed all its stages today, and the two Bills that passed all their stages except Third Reading, without any word of explanation or even commendation, and certainly without debate in the House, would it not be advisable if procedures were changed at least to enable the promoters of Bills to explain what we are doing in the space of five minutes to change the laws of this country?

Mr. Deputy Speaker

The hon. Gentleman knows that the Procedure Committee is likely to be set up fairly soon. This is not a matter for the Chair, but he may wish to refer it to the Committee when it is set up.

Ms. Jo Richardson (Barking)

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. The hon. Member for Liverpool, Mossley Hill (Mr. Alton) named Monday 16 May for further proceedings on his Bill. Can you confirm, Mr. Deputy Speaker, that Monday is not a day for private Members' legislation?

Mr. Deputy Speaker

It will appear on the remaining Orders.

Mr. David Alton (Liverpool, Mossley Hill)

Further to that point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I should like to make it absolutely clear to the hon. Lady and to others that we shall be back with the Bill every single day.

Mr. Dennis Skinner (Bolsover)

Further to that point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. The hon. Member for Liverpool, Mossley Hill (Mr. Alton) has talked outside the House of parliamentary mugging, political trickery and all the rest of it. If any attempt was made to take over another day that was designated for private Members' motions, not private Members' Bills, I think that you would be guilty of that crime, Mr. Deputy Speaker.

Mr. Alton

Further to that point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I thank the hon. Member for Bolsover (Mr. Skinner) for his welcome advice, but I shall not be taking it.

Mr. Deputy Speaker

I think that it would be wise now if the whole House reflected on the matter and if we proceeded to the Adjournment.