HC Deb 04 July 1980 vol 987 cc2043-4

Order for Second Reading read.

Hon. Members

Object.

Mr. Deputy Speaker

Second Reading what day? No day named.

Mr. Greville Janner (Leicester, West)

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. As a protector of the interests of the Back Bencher, would you consider initiating discussions on whether this awful procedure whereby Bills which contain in some cases desperately important measures can be, wiped out by the objection of one right hon. or hon. Member week after week? Has not the time come when there ought to be some dis-

cussions, behind the Chair or elsewhere, as to how Back Benchers can obtain some of the time of the House to preserve their right to put forward legislation in a way that ensures that it has some chance of reaching the statute book?

Mr. Deputy Speaker

I am sure that what the hon. and learned Gentleman has said will be noted in the appropriate quarter.

Mr. Cryer

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I am fairly certain that, when we considered the question of Members' interests, the rapid procedure under which Private Members' Bills are dealt with was not considered. However, the fact is that these Bills are disposed of so rapidly that there is not even time for anyone on the Back Benches to ascertain whether a Member objecting has a financial interest in so doing so that he can challenge the Member who is raising the objection. I hope that that point is noted, too.

Mr. Deputy Speaker

Order. I can only enforce the procedure which is laid down.