HC Deb 23 May 1978 vol 950 cc1365-431

As amended (in the Standing Committee), considered.

4.45 p.m.

Mr. Tony Durant (Reading, North)

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I wish to mention New Clause No. I—Interpretation—which is in my name and that of the hon. Member for Mitcham and Morden (Mr. Douglas-Mann) but which has not been selected. I am in no way challenging the Chair's selection, except to say that the clause affects some 30 per cent. of new home purchasers because a mobile home often provides the first opportunity for a person to buy his own home. I feel that the definition of "a home" should include mobile homes.

I appreciate that in Committee it was ruled that mobile homes were not classified as "homes", but I query this and wonder whether the matter has been properly examined. Therefore, I wish to place on record my disquiet that the clause, which I tabled in an effort to assist in defining "home" and to use the relevant provisions from the mobile homes legislation, will help the Bill. That is why I am concerned to see that the new clause was not selected. I am in no way challenging the Chair's ruling but I wish to place on record the fact that the ruling caused me some disquiet.

Mr. Deputy Speaker (Mr. Oscar Murton)

The hon. Member should have his attention drawn to Standing Order No. 33 (1), which states that In respect of any motion or any bill under consideration on report or any Lords amendment to a bill, Mr. Speaker shall have power to select the amendments, new clauses or new schedules to be proposed thereto. I would add that this direction by Mr. Speaker is absolute, and is not open to query. It is, as the hon. Gentleman knows, not a practice of Mr. Speaker to give reasons.

  1. New Clause No. 2
    1. cc1366-81
    2. DURATION OF ASSISTANCE 6,024 words, 1 division
  2. Clause 1
    1. cc1381-408
    2. ADVANCES TO LENDING INSTITUTIONS 10,349 words
  3. Clause 2
    1. cc1408-19
    2. ADMINISTRATION, ETC. 4,080 words
  4. Clause 3
    1. c1419
    2. BUILDING SOCIETY LAW 150 words
  5. Clause 4
    1. cc1419-31
    2. NORTHERN IRELAND 4,620 words