HC Deb 14 July 1976 vol 915 c666

Not amended (in the Committee) and as amended (in the Standing Committee), further considered.

4.5 p.m.

Mr. Tony Newton (Braintree)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Before we embark upon this business, may I raise with you a matter concerning your selection of amendments? Amendment No. 232 to Clause 34 has not been selected. Obviously I do not wish to make a great issue of your selection, but the amendment concerns a matter that we were not able to debate properly in Standing Committee—namely, the delay in some cases in the application of the clause—because the amendment was out of order. It was supported by hon. Members on both sides of the Committee, and I submit that there is some case for you to reconsider whether we should not have an opportunity to discuss the matter on the Floor of the House.

Mr. Speaker

I am obliged to the hon. Member for Braintree (Mr. Newton). Discretion in the selection of amendments lies, of course, with Mr. Speaker. However, I might tell the House that I do not find it an easy task. I spend hours trying to be fair to both sides of the House. I do not want to raise false hopes, but I shall of course look again at the matter which the hon. Gentleman raised.

Mr. Newton

I am extremely grateful to you, Mr. Speaker.

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