HC Deb 23 November 1972 vol 846 c1529

Considered in Committee.

[Sir ROBERT GRANT-FERRIS in the Chair]

3.52 p.m.

The Chairman

Before we commence our proceedings, I should inform the Committee that I felt it necessary to make certain alterations in my provisional selections, and a definitive copy of them may be found at the door. The first group of amendments remains unaltered, namely, Nos. 1, 29, 30, 31 and 33.

Mr. James Wellbeloved (Erith and Crayford)

On a point of order, Sir Robert. In your provisional selection, you have not included my new Clause 1. As it is only a provisional selection and has, as you have already indicated, been subject to some adjustment, I wonder whether you would be prepared to take new Clause 1 into the provisional list or, alternatively, whether you have come to a decision on the manuscript amendments that I submitted to the Table.

The Chairman

I am sorry, but perhaps the letter I wrote to the hon. Gentleman a few moments ago has not yet reached his hands. I am unable to do as he asks as I cannot bring it within the Long Title of the Bill. I am sorry to disappoint him.

Mr. Wellbeloved

Further to that point of order, Sir Robert. That applies to the new clause. I wonder whether the manuscript amendments could be taken?

The Chairman

I am afraid I could not do that, because it would still be beyond the scope of the Bill.

Mr. Wellbeloved

I am sorry to pursue the point of order, Sir Robert, but, if a manuscript amendment is to adjust the Long Title of the Bill, I should be grateful if you would say how that puts it out of order.

The Chairman

The hon. Gentleman is under a slight misapprehension. An amendment to the Long Title cannot be brought in if it materially alters the scope of the Bill.

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