HC Deb 29 November 1977 vol 940 c463

Motion made, That this House doth agree with the Select Committee on House of Commons (Services) in their Fifth Report, in the last Session of Parliament, on Computer-based Indexing for the Library.—[Mr. Coleman.]

Hon. Members

Object.

Mr. Richard Buchanan (Glasgow, Springburn)

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. This is the third occasion on which this vital tool for the assistance of Members of the House has been blocked for the simple reason that there has been an endeavour to put it through without any discussion or question. I know from discussions with my hon. Friends that they have no objection in principle—

Mr. Deputy Speaker (Mr. Bryant Godman Irvine)

Order. I do not think that the merits of the way in which the matter has been presented can be considered at this time of night. The matter will obviously come before the House on another occasion. I think that that would be the right time for the hon. Gentleman to put his point.

Mr. Nigel Spearing (Newham, South)

Further to that point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. The matter has been before the House before, in August, when, in a similar way to this evening, it was not made exempted business. In what way can hon. Members draw to the attention of those who are responsible for the Order Paper that they do not necessarily wish to oppose the motion but want an opportunity for the matter to be discussed?

Mr. Deputy Speaker

I regret that I am not able to help the hon. Gentleman on that matter.