§ Mr. SpeakerThe Clerk will now proceed to read the Titles of the Private Bills set down for this day.
§ Mr. SnowOn a point of order. Mr. Speaker, may I draw attention, with great respect, to the first page of the Order Paper, page 2087, which lists the Private Business After Prayers for today? You will note, Sir, from this list that of the nine Private Bills seven Second Readings are opposed by the hon. Members for Eastbourne (Sir C. Taylor) and Gillingham (Mr. Burden). The purpose of my raising this point of order is certainly not to challenge their right so to do. Incidentally, though I may be mistaken, I think they are not present today.
You will observe, Sir, that all these Private Bills for which Second Readings are sought are from very responsible local authorities. The object, presumably, of opposing their Second Readings is that the hon. Members who have put their names down desire more time to consider these Bills to see whether they object to them. There is nothing wrong with that, as far as I can see, but—[Interruption.]—I am speaking to a point of order. Am I out of order, Mr. Speaker?
§ Mr. SpeakerNot yet, but I think the House would welcome it if the hon. Gentleman would indicate what his point of order is.
§ Mr. SnowSir, if the intention of the hon. Members concerned is that they want more time to consider these Private Bills, may I point out that these Bills were first published and copies were available in the Private Bill Office on 27th November, which means that these 1048 hon. Members have now had two months in which to consider them. As I understand it, no Petitions have been lodged. I respectfully submit that we have a duty here to see that the business on behalf of these very substantial corporations is conducted both efficiently and expeditiously.
§ Mr. SpeakerI am concerned with the rights of hon. Members. These hon. Members are exercising their rights. No point of order arises.