§ Motion made, and Question proposed. "That the Clause stand part of the Bill."
§ Lieut.-Colonel ElliotMay I ask for your Ruling, Sir Charles? We are now at a very late hour. The Government have one or two Amendments, and certainly one new Clause, to put into the Bill. It is already Thursday, and Friday, of course, will be a difficult day to see the new Clause. I do not suppose the Government will be able to put it down on the Order Paper before Friday. If the Bill is being taken early next week, say on Monday, I trust it will be possible for the Table to allow manuscript Amendments on the Report stage. Otherwise, it would invalidate completely the Report stage as far as back bench Members and the Opposition are concerned. I trust that you will be able to interest the seniors in the Chair on behalf of those of us who would be cut out from making comment or modification to the Bill on Report.
§ The Deputy-ChairmanI am afraid I can give no promise.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ElliotI understand that, but all that I am asking is that perhaps you will be able to use your good offices. I am sure you will realise that at this stage, it is unlikely that even the Parliamentary draftsmen will get to work much before 9.30 a.m. this morning.
§ The Deputy-ChairmanI will certainly draw attention to what has been said.
§ Clause ordered to stand part of the Bill.