HC Deb 30 November 1979 vol 974 cc1741-2

Order for Second Reading read.

Hon. Members

Object.

Mr. Alfred Morris (Manchester, Wythenshawe)

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker, is there no way of identifying the hon. Member who objected to the Bill? We spent a day debating—

Mr. Deputy Speaker (Mr. Bernard Weatherill)

Order. The right hon. Gentleman is a very experienced Member and he knows that that is not a point of order. It is frequently raised on a Friday when objections are taken to Bills. I think that the hon. Gentleman well knows the form on a Friday afternoon. Second Reading what day?

Mr. Stanley Orme (Salford West)

As the sponsor of the Bill, I ask that it be taken on Friday 25 January, but it is disgraceful that the Government should oppose this Bill today. Let them stand up and be counted.

Mr. Alfred Morris

Stand up and name yourselves.

Mr. Michael English (Nottingham, West)

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Speaker is sometimes kind enough to suggest that matters should he referred to the Procedure Committee. In this Parliament, unlike some others, we must when we vote record our names so that it is known how we vote. That is justifiable in a democracy. You are quite right, Mr. Deputy Speaker, of course, in your ruling, but this issue is one that might well be referred to the Procedure Committee with a view to making those who object in these circumstances record their names.

Mr. Deputy Speaker

That is as may be, but Standing Orders have laid down that one objection blocks a Bill on a Friday afternoon.

Second Reading deferred till Friday 25 January.