HC Deb 21 July 1970 vol 804 c253

Order for Second Reading read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, That the Bill be now read a Second time.

Mr. Speaker

May I remind the House that by Ballot we have arrived at an order of names of hon. Members and topics related to certain items in the Supplementary Estimates. I will follow that order, except that any hon. Member may join in one of the debates after all those who have won a place in the Ballot have been called upon to speak, but such an hon. Member must let the Chair know if he wishes to speak on the topic being discussed. It will not be in order for an hon. Member who catches Mr. Speaker's eye to talk about anything except the topic that is being discussed in the particular debate.

Mr. William Hamilton (Fife, West)

On a point of clarification, Mr. Speaker. Can you give us any indication as to the lengths of these debates? Such information would help hon. Members lower down the list.

Mr. Speaker

If I could give the House any firm indication of the length of speeches which hon. Members are likely to make, I should be about the greatest Speaker in history. I can, however, help the hon. Gentleman a little. For the first debate I have four names, plus the Minister who is to reply. For the second debate I have 16 names, so it is likely that the debate on environmental pollution will take quite a time. The hon. Gentleman is the fourth debate down. For the third debate, I have only one name so far. I cannot guarantee that any hon. Gentleman ahead of him will emulate the hon. Gentleman, who is always brief when he makes a speech.