HC Deb 24 July 1979 vol 971 cc559-60

Motion made, and Question proposed, That the Standing Order (Select Committees related to Government Departments) be amended, in the Table, column 4 (Maximum numbers of Members), in respect of the Defence Committee, the Energy Committee, the Environment Committee, and the Transport Committee, by leaving out '10' and inserting '11', instead thereof.—[Mr. Wakeham.]

Mr. Deputy Speaker (Mr. Bernard Weatherill)

The Question is the motion in the name of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. As many of that opinion say "Aye". To the contrary, "No".

Mr. Ronald W. Brown (Hackney, South and Shoreditch)

I put down an amendment on this item calling for the addition of the other four Select Committees, to change them from nine-member Committees to 11-member Committees in the same way. Am I not to be called on my manuscript amendment?

Mr. Deputy Speeket

I know that the hon. Member has submitted a manuscript amendment, which has been selected by Mr. Speaker, but I was putting the Question first. Now, will the hon. Member move his amendment?

Mr. Ronald W. Brown

I have chosen to move my amendment, after "11", insert and in respect of the Agriculture Committee, the Education, Science and Arts Committee, the Employment Committee, and the Social Services Committee, by leaving out '9' and inserting '11'"—

It being after Ten oclock on Tuesday evening, and objection being taken to further proceeding, the debate stood adjourned.

Debate to be resumed this day.