MISCELLANEOUS EXEMPTIONS FROM DUTY (Hansard, 2 March 1971)

§ Mr. Chichester-Clark (seated and covered)
On a point d order. In view of the difficulty in which we increasingly find ourselves, and in view of the damage which is being caused to Parliament by the irresponsible action of a few hon. Members opposite, would it not be of some service to you, Sir Robert, if a member of the Opposition Front Bench—and Members of the Opposition Front Bench are strangely absent—were sent for so that we may know unequivocally their attitude to this consolidation Measure? Perhaps hon. Members opposite would be more responsible if the Leader of the Opposition were here.

§ The Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. William Whitelaw) (seated and covered)
On a point of order. I think that we are all sensitive to the interests of the House of Commons and the importance of ensuring that procedures are properly carried through. Therefore, I 1665 believe it is my duty as Leader of the House to put forward what I think is the sensible way to bring to an end a procedure which can do the House of Commons no good.
A consolidation Measure of this nature is normally allowed to go through the House quickly. I propose that the remaining stages of this Bill should be immediately allowed to pass, as is normal in such cases, and that the Second Reading of the next Bill should be given immediately without debate. I believe that would be reasonable. If that is done, I will agree to put down the remaining stages of the next Bill today. I would expect, with good reason, that it would go through in half an hour later tonight. I hope that would be an acceptable procedure for the House.

Mr. Deputy Speaker
If that is a procedure acceptable to the House, I will put all the remaining Clauses of the Bill together.