§ Order read for consideration of Lords Amendments.
§ 10.11 p.m.
§ Mr. Denis Howell (Birmingham, Small Heath)On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. My right hon. Friend the Leader of the Opposition last week offered the Government full facilities for the remaining stages of this Bill, as well as other Bills, today, in consideration of the Government's co-operation in providing time for the debate which the House had earlier today on other important matters. That promise will be honoured, and we shall attempt to facilitate the remaining stages of the Bill. But I must protest about the way in which the Bill has been handled and about the procedural situation with which the House is faced.
The Standing Committee sat 19 times to consider the Bill. Our deliberations lasted from 20th February until 12th April, which is nearly two months. We had then, almost as soon as the House returned from the recess which followed the end of the Committee proceedings, the Report stage. Therefore, there was little time for the House as a whole or even for the Government to consider the many matters raised on Report.
The Bill then went to another place, whence it has returned with 218 amendments. That gives some idea of the drafting and substantial matters that had to be dealt with. It is a little odd, and it is wrong, that those amendments, most of which should have been considered on Report, are being brought before the House at this late hour.
I shall not press that point any further, except to say that it is wrong. I do not blame Ministers. I think that the situation has to do with the parliamentary managers, who are doing their best to cope with the pressures on the parliamentary timetable. But a word of protest should be said on behalf of the people in the water industry, which is being reorganised in a serious and fundamental manner by the Bill, who have 218 amendments from another place considered at this hour.
Having made that protest, with your indulgence, Mr. Speaker, I shall try to 410 assist the Government to consider the amendments as expeditiously and constructively as possible.
§ 10.15 p.m.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member is quite right to use the word "indulgence". I have been very indulgent in allowing him to go so far. Taking note of the fact that nothing of what he said raised a question of order. I might also be tempted to thank Providence that I have nothing to do with arranging the business of the House.
§ Lords Amendments considered.
§ Lords Amendments agreed to.