§ As amended (in the Standing Committee), considered.
§ 4.18 p.m.
§ Mr. Frederick Mulley (Sheffield, Park)On a point of order. I wish to raise a point with you, Mr. Speaker, before we begin our deliberations at this stage of the Bill.
As is the usual practice, you have issued your provisional list of selected Amendments. While I accept that it would be for the convenience of the House to group a number of Amendments together, I wish to draw your attention to the first suggested grouping, which is very large indeed.
It is true that all the Amendments in this group touch on the subject of the provision of picnic sites and public conveniences on or near roads. However, that is the only point that some of them have in common. In a diverse Bill of this kind, it is no doubt correct that they should be in a group of their own. By the same token, however, it might be argued that any Amendments to any Bill should be grouped because they all touch on the main point of the Bill in question.
I raise the matter with you at this stage, Mr. Speaker, because some difficulty could be occasioned by the fact that Amendments which I have tabled to Clause 1 raise rather specific points. It must be remembered, of course, that the new Clauses were not before the Committee. We have therefore not had an opportunity of debating drafting points upstairs.
I am happy to go ahead with your suggested selection, Mr. Speaker, as long as—I admit at once that the Minister is always extremely courteous in these matters—we may expect a reply to all the various points that are raised in all the various Amendments that have been grouped together. As I understand the procedural position, we are not allowed to move—except formally—any of the Amendments which are grouped in the list, although Divisions are possible if required.
Next, although I have no objection, Mr. Speaker, to your selecting new Clause 439 9—"Compulsory erection and maintenance of stockproof fences"—may I point out for the record that it did not appear on any Notice Paper until today and it is not usual for starred Clauses or Amendments to be selected. As I say, I have no objection to its being selected, but our understanding is that if we do not get Amendments down at least two clear days before a Report stage is due to begin they are not called. If there is to be a change of practice, it would be useful for the House to know that you, Mr. Speaker, will give consideration in future to what we normally call starred Amendments.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe selection of starred Amendments is a matter for the Chair. In this case I have taken into considera-