HC Deb 14 June 1973 vol 857 cc1716-825

Considered in Committee.

[Sir ROBERT GRANT-FERRIS in the Chair]

4.7 p.m.

Mr. Merlyn Rees (Leeds, South)

On a point of order, Sir Robert. I wonder whether I might make a request and ask a question. May I be clear that there will be a separate vote on official Opposition Amendment No. 6? May I ask about official Opposition Amendment No. 52? We saw that as being consequential on Amendment No. 6 because it would remove the schedule which spells out the details of the latter part of Clause 1. I notice that it has not been selected. I presume that that does not prevent us from talking about it, because it is important.

The Chairman

I am obliged to the hon. Member for Leeds, South (Mr. Merlyn Rees) for having given me notice that he would be raising these matters. I am prepared to allow a Division on Amendment No. 6. It will also be in order to mention in debate the matters contained in the schedule to which he referred.

Captain L. P. S. Orr (Down, South)

On a point of order, Sir Robert. This is more or less the same point, as this group of amendments deals broadly with the principle whether we have a border poll and the mechanics and conditions. Will it be possible to have a separate Division on Amendment No. 47, which raises points of some substance, and on one of the later amendments dealing with the time between polls?

The Chairman

I will give that matter my favourable consideration. I am prepared to consider Divisions. However, I do not want to be tied absolutely beyond what I have already said. I will do my best to meet the hon. and gallant Member's requirements.

Mr. J. Enoch Powell (Wolverhampton, South-West)

On a further point of order, Sir Robert. The Chair is sometimes helpful enough to indicate why amendments have not been selected. I wonder whether you would consider giving us guidance about the reason why Amendment No. 7, Clause 1, page 1, line 15, appears not to have been selected? Is it because it is not within the Long Title?

The Chairman

I am glad to be able to give the right hon. Member for Wolverhampton, South-West (Mr. Powell) complete satisfaction on this point. It is not a question of non-selection. It is that the amendment is out of order and outside the scope of the clause.

Mr. Powell

Further to that point of order. I take it from what you have just said about the amendment being outside the scope of the clause, Sir Robert, that if the substance of the amendment should be tabled in another form at a more appropriate point in the Bill you would give it unprejudiced consideration.

The Chairman

Yes. That would be a new clause and I would give it my careful consideration.

Mr. Powell

I am obliged.

Mr. A. W. Stallard (St. Pancras, North)

On a point of order, Sir Robert. While not wishing to query your choice of amendments, may I seek your guidance on two points? You will note that I have put down Amendment No. 7 and New Clause 5, which are designed to ensure that the partition aspect is discussed on Clause 1, which deals with the status of Northern Ireland. May I seek your guidance as to how I may raise this very important matter if the amendment or the clause is not called?

The Chairman

It is not the normal practice of the Chair to accept an amendment to leave out a clause. It is deemed that the debate on the Question, "That the clause stand part of the Bill", is usually sufficient to cover that. We are not likely to reach that stage in the immediate future. If the hon. Gentleman will see me about it later I will give him some further information.

Mr. Stallard

Does the same apply to New Clause 5? Will that be considered or have you not yet finalised your choice. Sir Robert?

The Chairman

I have not yet considered New Clause 5. Therefore, I cannot give the hon. Gentleman any advice about it. There is no point in going so far. We know that we are to have a long debate today. Therefore, I deemed it better not to go any further than I have gone with my selection of amendments. I will let the hon. Gentleman know in good time.

  1. Clause 1
      2. cc1718-821
    1. STATUS OF NORTHERN IRELAND AS PART OF UNITED KINGDOM 40,266 words, 1 division
  2. Clause 2
      3. cc1821-5
    1. INITIAL DEVOLUTION OF LEGISLATIVE AND EXECUTIVE RESPONSIBILITY 1,187 words
        2. c1825
      1. BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE 21 words
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