HC Deb 20 June 1972 vol 839 cc237-8
Mr. Speaker

I have considered the point of order put to me yesterday by the hon. Member for Derby, North (Mr. Whitehead).

On the one hand, we must be careful not to bend rules and practices which have been evolved throughout the years to secure full discussion and to protect the expression of minority opinion. On the other hand, we have to see that what happens is both sensible and understandable.

On this occasion the last two Lords Amendments to the hon. Member's Bill were, without demur, discussed together. Shortly before 4 o'clock, the Closure was moved and agreed to without opposition. A Division was challenged on the first of the two Amendments, but no Tellers were put in. After the required two minutes, Mr. Deputy Speaker declared that the House agreed with the Lords Amendment.

By that time 4 o'clock had struck, and the House was—to use the colloquial phrase—"caught on the hook" of business interrupted at 4 o'clock. The Question on the final Amendment was not put, although that Amendment had already been discussed. I am criticising no one. What happened was according to Standing Orders.

But, for my part, I cannot see why the residue of interrupted business, provided that it is unopposed, should not be treated in the same way as subsequent unopposed Bills on the Order Paper, five of which passed their final stages last Friday after 4 o'clock. I hope, therefore, that the Select Committee on Procedure will examine this somewhat technical matter.

Meanwhile, I do not believe that the House will be satisfied with what happened last Friday, and I have asked the Leader of the House to consider the situation.

Mr. Whitehead

The whole House will be very grateful to you, Mr. Speaker, for that courteous and considerate ruling. The sponsors of the Bill concerned, on both sides of the House, will be grateful for what you have said about drawing this matter to the attention of the Leader of the House. If Private Members' time is to be meaningful, Bills must have some chance of proceeding in the manner which was frustrated on a technicality on Friday.

The Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. Robert Carr)

Like the hon. Member for Derby, North (Mr. Whitehead),I am sure that the whole House will be grateful to you, Mr. Speaker, for your ruling. I hope that the Select Committee on Procedure will take note of your suggestion and consider it. For my part, as Leader of the House, I shall, of course, be only too glad to consider carefully what you have said.